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This July 4, 2022 photo shows thousands of people gathering to celebrate the Fourth of July at Dow Diamond in Midland, Michigan.
Andrew Mullin/Midland Daily News
The 4th of July is quintessentially American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and, of course, fireworks.
To celebrate, Independence Day travelers will set new records in Michigan and across the country, AAA projected June 20, two weeks before the summer holidays. More than 70.9 million people across the United States are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home. More than 2.6 million of them will be Michigan residents.
“The summer travel season is off to a strong start and we look forward to setting new travel records on the road and in the sky during Independence Day week,” Debbie Haas, AAA’s vice president of travel, said in a statement from the June 20th. Press release. “There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year. “That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes and theme parks.”
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The Dearborn-based auto club’s Independence Day travel forecast measures domestic trips of 50 miles or more over nine days from June 29, 2024, through July 7. Last year, more than 67.4 million people nationwide traveled during the holidays. And more than 2.4 million of them were Michigan residents.
A record 60.6 million people will travel by car during Independence Day week this year, representing 2.8 million additional travelers compared to 2023, AAA said in the release. This year’s figure also surpasses that of 2019, when 55.3 million people traveled by car during the week of July 4.
“Road travelers should prepare for congestion in the afternoon and evening hours, particularly near larger metropolitan areas, theme parks and popular attractions,” AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland said in the statement. “With so many people on the road, it’s important to be patient, minimize distractions while driving, and stay away from people on the side of the road.”
Road trips in Michigan will set a record for the second year in a row. More than 2.3 million Michiganders are expected to take a road trip. That’s almost 117,000 more than last year.
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Michigan drivers are paying slightly more for gas than they did last Independence Day, when the state average was $3.52, AAA said in the release. Gas prices have been falling lately. However, the downward trend could reverse if oil prices rise due to geopolitical tensions or a hurricane that threatens oil platforms and refineries along the Gulf of Mexico.
Daily national, state and metropolitan gas price averages are available at GasBuddy.com.
The worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 will be between 2 and 7 p.m., according to INRIXa transportation data provider. Drivers should hit the road in the morning and commuters returning on July 8 should avoid traffic during the morning and evening rush hours.
“Drivers in large metropolitan areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, when they leave the city, and Sunday, July 7, when they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in the release. . “Road trips during the holiday week could last up to 67% longer than normal. “Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations and traffic apps for the latest road conditions.”
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As a record 2.6 million Michigan residents prepare to hit the road on Independence Day, AAA urged drivers to make sure their vehicle is ready for the road.
AAA announced Tuesday that it expects to rescue nearly 800,000 stranded motorists during the nine-day holiday period. The most common problems AAA expects stranded drivers to have are dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.
“The hottest summer months take a toll on your vehicle’s battery and tires,” Woodland said Tuesday. Press release. “That is why it is so important to perform a vehicle inspection before the trip. Doing so could uncover potential vehicle problems that would otherwise not be revealed until your trip.”
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AAA provided the following tips to prevent car problems:
- Check your tires: Inspect all four tires and the spare tire if your vehicle has one. Pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tread depth.
- Check the battery: The average lifespan of a car battery is usually three to five years. If the engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, the battery may be reaching the end of its useful life. Drivers can request a battery check at an AAA Customer Service Center or AAA Customer Service Center. Approved auto repair facilityAAA can also come to a member’s location to test and, if necessary, replace the battery on site.
- Listen and feel the brakes: If you hear a grinding noise or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield wiper: If your wiper blades are streaking or not completely clearing your windshield, replace the blades. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every six to 12 months.
- Top off engine oil and other fluids: Verify that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies: AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit , duct tape, gloves and tent. rags or paper towels.
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