The American Automobile Association (AAA) is predicting the 2017 Fourth of July holiday weekend to be the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever.
A total of 44.2 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home over the weekend, 1.25 million more travelers than last year. With July 4 falling on a Tuesday, it is thought people will make the most of the long weekend.
“Strong employment, combined with rising incomes and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Legislative Affairs.
“This historic number of travelers will add to an already bustling summer travel season.”
- 44.2 million travelers are expected to travel this Independence Day, a 2.9 percent increase over 2016.
- 37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year. That represents 85 percent of all holiday travelers.
- 3.44 million people are taking to the skies this Independence Day, increasing air travel by 4.6 percent over last year.
- 3.27 million travelers, an increase of 1.4 percent from 2016, will look to other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses.
Slow Down, Move Over
The AAA reminds travelers that every state has a law requiring motorists to move over and slow down when approaching first responders such as police officers and tow truck drivers.
“First responders are killed or injured every year throughout the country, and the Slow Down, Move Over laws are designed to protect those who are working to protect us,” Ms. Maguire said.
