AAA projects nearly 43 million Americans will travel this Independence Day weekend, the highest Fourth of July travel volume on record and five million more than Memorial Day.
The lowest gas prices since 2005 are enticing more of us than ever to travel this Independence Day weekend, said AAA Oklahoma spokesman Chuck Mai. And its not just auto travel numbers that are higher were predicting air travel will take off, also.
A record-high 558,400 Oklahomans are expected to travel over the long Fourth of July weekend, according to AAA, one percent more than last year. Eighty-six percent will drive, 12 percent will fly and the rest will be traveling by other means, including ship, train, bus and multi-modal.
U.S. drivers have spent about $20 billion less on gasoline so far this year compared to the same period in 2015, which has made travel more affordable than in recent years. Increased consumer confidence and rising economic activity also are offsetting a cooling labor market to help boost holiday travel.
We are well on our way for 2016 to be a record-breaking year for summertime travel, said Mai. This is welcome news for all of those in the travel industry, from hotels and attractions to restaurants and local shops.
Nationwide, AAA predicts more than 36 million people will drive to their Independence Day destinations, an increase of 1.2 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 2.2 percent over last year, with 3.3 million Americans taking to the skies this Independence Day.
Its interesting to note that AAAs holiday cruise bookings are 35 percent higher than last Independence Day, said Mai. AAA is predicting travel by modes of transportation other than auto and air will increase two percent to 3.3 million travelers nationally.
Despite recent increases, gasoline prices remain below those of recent years. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.31, which is 47 cents less than one year ago.
AAA expects most U.S. drivers will pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2005. Oklahomas average Monday stands at $2.09, about 48 cents below the average on June 27, 2015.The cheapest gas in Enid Monday was selling for $1.86, according to GasBuddy.com.
AAA expects to rescue more than 370,000 motorists across the country during the Independence Day holiday travel period 1,900 of them will break down in Oklahoma.The primary reasons for these calls for help will be dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires.
AAA recommends drivers check the condition of their battery, all fluids under the hood and tires before heading out on a road trip.
osborneqteptvgnum Community Member 
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