This year’s Independence Day is expected to set all sorts of records. AAA is expecting the number of people traveling for July 4th this year to soundly surpass last years numbers by 5 percent. Not to mention those traveling by car will see its highest gas prices for the 4th of July since 2014.
According to GasBuddy, entering the weekend, the country's average is around $2.85 a gallon. That number is surely expected to reach $2.90 by Wednesday. Here in Lima, travelers are a bit fortunate.
"In Lima where our prices are much more competitive, given the refineries in our backyard, averages are $2.58," said Dan McTeague, senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. "It really depends on where you are across the country, but the overall average, national, from coast to coast is now really slated to increase at least four or five cents a gallon. That’ll put us in the $2.90 range by Independence day, July 4th."
Motorists are expected to pay $1.02 billion more than last year in July 4th travel. McTeague recommends checking GasBuddy prices ahead of time. While traveling between states, prices could jump as much as 25 cents once you cross a state border.
And while you’re traveling, AAA said to expect heavy congestion, especially Tuesday. The mix of people leaving work early and travel plans could cause issues everywhere. Ohio State Highway Patrol plans on targeted enforcement efforts beginning Friday through the holiday to ensure safe passage for all motorists.
"Our focus at the highway patrol will be to take strict enforcement action against impaired, distracted, reckless and 'unbelted' drivers and passengers as we work towards a fatal free holiday here in Northwest Ohio," Lt. Tim Grigsby said.
Grigsby said the three P’s will be the key to safe holiday travels.
"Planning, patience and paying attention are the keys to dealing with congested roadways," Grigsby said. "Pay attention to your surrounding, make sure that you have a plan going into your travel and give yourself plenty of time before you go out."
