Record-setting numbers expected for Fourth of July travel

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT)—AAA Blue Grass says 71 million people are expected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday nationwide.

This is expected to be a new record for the holiday. More than 800,000 of those travelers will be Kentuckians and more than 91% of them are planning to hit the pavement.

“Plan to get on the road early,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins with AAA Blue Grass. “Those days leading up, like the 3rd is going to be a very, very busy day for travel and then coming back. A lot of people are coming back on the 7th especially.”

June 29 to July 7, Weaver Hawkins says, is considered the Fourth of July travel period.

She reminds people to do a once-over of the vehicle they’re taking on their trip. This means checking the tires, battery, and fluids before heading out.

“We’ll certainly come to your rescue, but we’d rather that your road trip is not marred by being stranded by the roadside,” said Weaver Hawkins.

While most Kentuckians are opting to drive, AAA says more than 4% are set to fly.

“Try to get to that airport a good two hours ahead of your flight rather than an hour. Nationwide, there are a lot of people flying. In fact, it’s expected to set a record for Fourth of July,” said Weaver Hawkins.

Weaver Hawkins says while it’s important to get to your destination safely, it’s just as important to be safe while you’re there.

“Make sure that you have your ID and your credit cards in a safe, secure wallet or purse, or bag,” said Weaver Hawkins. “That way, you keep your eyes on it at all times, and it’s not a kind that can be easily grabbed or cut, like the strap being cut, that sort of thing.”

She says it’s also a good idea to talk with your kids before the trip and go through some safety expectations you have.

Even if you’re not traveling very far for the holiday, don’t forget there’s going to be a lot of traffic, even just in our local communities.

Weaver Hawkins says last year, there were more than 3,000 crashes resulting in 19 fatalities on Kentucky roadways during the July 4th travel time.

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