Fourth of July: As car travels surge, so should your caution

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/FOX58) — With summer vacation in full swing, AAA says more Americans are taking extended trips for Independence Day.

Gianella Ghiglino with AAA says during this season, lots of accidents happen.

RELATED: Kern County faces deadly roads; officials urge caution entering July

Since 2023, there’s been a 4.8% growth in traveling by car.

With the population going up, Ghiglino says drivers should be mindful of themselves and the people on the road with them as well.

“We’re seeing over 70 million people nationwide, they will be traveling and just here in Southern California, we’re expecting almost about close to 6 million people,” said Ghiglino.

“Make sure that they are driving safe and making sure they are not texting and driving, not being distracted as well as not speeding, speeding is a really big problem so we really encourage everyone to follow the speed limits because they are there for a reason,” she added.

Even though there’s a list of things that people should keep in mind, one thing should also be to celebrate, but safely.

Some at the Park at Riverwalk shared what they enjoy doing for the 4th.

“I would probably advise maybe just go out of town better than being more in town, but then again Bakersfield has its areas but it just varies,” said Kern County resident Jesse Rodriguez.

“I get to see fireworks and I get to like see the little sprinklers that they light. It’s really fun because I like to wear the colors of they day because it makes me look festive,” said another.