The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5.This year the American Automotive Association estimates that more than one million Indiana residents will travel 50 miles or more away from their homes for Fourth of July celebrations.
Last year 992,682 people traveled during the same time frame, that is an increase of more than 96,400 travelers recorded ten years prior in 2004. The amount of travelers has been steadily increasing over the last decade but this year the highest number of Hoosiers ever recorded will be out on the roads.
The Indiana numbers are reflective of the national estimation which is also a record number of travelers. AAA projects 41.9 million Americans will be out and about during this holiday travel period. With so many people driving around, Triple-A expects to rescue nearly 360,000 motorists at the roadside this Independence Day weekend. The primary reasons will be dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. Motorists are urged to inspect their vehicle and check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a holiday getaway.
The AAA also reports that travelers will experience lower gas prices compared to recent years. Last year around this time Hoosiers were paying $3.72 a gallon, this year the state average is a whole dollar less at $2.72 a gallon. Indiana’s gas prices are even less than the national average price for a gallon of gasoline which is currently approximately $2.78.
Before setting out on an Independence Day getaway, download the free AAA Mobile app. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.