Are you planning a trip for the 4th of July holiday? If so, you are definitely not alone. According to AAA, a record-breaking 46.9 million people in the U.S. will travel 50 miles or more to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. This number represents not only a 5 percent increase over last year, it is the highest volume ever projected over the 18 years that AAA has been tracking these figures. If you are taking a road trip, AAA cautions,
“For the 39.7 million Americans planning a Fourth of July road trip, INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, predicts travel times in the most congested cities in the U.S. could be twice as long than the normal trip, with Tuesday being the busiest day.”
If you are hitting the road this 4th of July holiday, take some time to make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the road. Here are a few tips:
– Test your battery
– Check your lights to make sure all are working
– Make sure wiper blades are in good shape
– Check fluid levels
– Check the pressure on all tires including your spare
– Pack roadside emergency items like jumper cables and travel compressor
Here are a few additional suggestions to consider for a smoother trip:
– Download an app like GasBuddy to make sure you find the best gas prices
– Check out the Waze app for real-time traffic info
– Pack snacks and drinks for the car to save time and money
– Make sure your maps are up-to-date – whether paper or GPS
– Plan your route and stops before you leave
– Bring along a cell phone charger with a car adaptor
– Bring an umbrella – no matter what the forecast says
Whatever your plans are, have a fun and safe 4th of July Holiday!
