AAA expects record-setting Fourth of July travel

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Expect a busy weekend and week ahead on the roads as AAA is projecting holiday travel for the Fourth is set to reach new records.

AAA spokesperson Bill Purpura told NBC4  Ohio can expect to see millions of travelers over the holiday stretch starting June 29 through July 7.

“Everybody has just got this pent-up demand for travel and it’s just exciting to see,” Purpura said. “It’s great for the economy. It’s great for the soul. you know, Americans just have this passion for traveling.”

Purpura said AAA expects 71 million Americans to travel for the Fourth of July. That’s a 5% increase compared to 2023. Of that 71 million, 60.6 million will be traveling by car. 5.74 million will fly.

3.3 million of those 71 million travelers are Ohioans, with a majority driving to their destinations.

Purpura told NBC4 that it’s best for holiday travelers to avoid being on the road during morning and evening rush hours. 

“We would expect that July 3 is going to be very heavy after noon into the mid evening,” he said. “Also, Sunday the 7, that’s another time to watch out for because that’s when a lot of people are going to be coming home again.”

With an influx of cars on the roads, the risks of crashes and other emergencies also increase.

“AAA is expecting an enormous amount of emergency road service calls during this time frame,” Purpura said.

A reminder for those who plan to travel by car, Purpura said make sure that car is road ready, be a defensive driver, stay off devices, be vigilant and patient. He also suggests drivers have an emergency kit packed in their car before their trip.