Illinoisans expected to set travel records for July 4th weekend

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Fourth of July weekend is one of the most-traveled days of the year for Americans. This year, Illinois may see an especially busy amount of traffic.

AAA predicts almost 71 million people nationwide will travel 50 or more miles this upcoming week. This includes 4.1 million Illinoisans, which will set new records.

A family traveling through Central Illinois on Saturday was one of many heading away from home for the holidays. They passed through Pesotum as they traveled to Northern Michigan from St. Louis.

“Lots of travelers, lots of out-of-state license plates. I’ve seen license plates from Oregon to Maine traveling through here,” the Brandyberry family said. “And it does seem like there’s some increased traffic.”

“It’s my son’s fourth birthday, so we take a trip every year for the 4th of July just to celebrate his birthday and the upcoming holiday,” they added.

Officials say families with small children should check car seats and pack an emergency kit.