What people can expect during Fourth of July travel

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, many people will travel all over America to celebrate its Independence Day.

Whether it’s driving or flying, many Americans will be going somewhere in state or out-of-state.

This comes with safety regulations, and things travelers should keep in mind when on the roads, or in the sky.

Jayme Bufford with Illinois State Police said drivers have ways to stay safe while driving this Fourth of July.

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“You know, make a plan,” Bufford said. “Obviously, no matter if you’re just in town or even if you’re traveling for distances, just have a plan. Know your route. Make sure the children are properly restrained, child restraints and all that stuff,” she said.

“If you’re going to be consuming alcohol at [a] party, make sure to get a sober driver. Have that designated ahead of time so you’re not trying to scramble to find somebody to drive you home,” she said.

When traveling for the holiday, people do more than just drive. People are also flying all across the country. Even though flying local is very convenient for many travelers, Peoria International Airport still says that there are lots of precautions that people should take before flying.

“One of the myths is you can’t just walk in five minutes before your flight forwards, especially if you have a bag to check,” Cheryl Bockhold-Sloan, airport marketing manager, said. “Computers shut down 45 minutes prior to flights. If you’re needing to check in at the counters prior to your flight, that is not something that you can just walk right in and do because you’re flying out of Peoria.”

She also said the size of the airport and the roads leading up to it play a big part in the ease of traveling locally.

“It’s easier to travel out of PIA or one of your local airlines or airports versus a Chicago or the St. Louis area,” she said. “Not only for the congestion of the airport itself, but of the traveling on the interstates and traveling in and out of all of the other construction.”

PIA also says holiday boosts the economy through gas station and food purchases.