AAA: Nearly 1.3 million New Jerseyans to Travel for Fourth of July

On Jun 30, 2017

AAA projects a historic travel volume for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend: A record-breaking 44.2 million Americans plan to travel 50 miles or more away from home, embracing freedom on the nation’s roads, rails, skies and waterways. With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will mark the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever. Of the 44.2 million, nearly 1.3 million in New Jersey are planning a getaway for the holiday weekend, the most in a decade. July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year and for many, the extra-long weekend allows for the opportunity to travel.

“Strong employment, combined with rising incomes and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry,” said Cathleen Lewis, Director of Public Affairs & Government Relations for AAA Northeast. “This historic number of travelers will add to an already bustling summer travel season.”

TRAVEL BY THE NUMBERS

Automobile

• New Jersey – 1,071,128 (84% of travelers), a 0.9% increase from last year.
• Nationally – 37.504 million (84.8% of travelers), up 2.9% from 2016.

Air

• New Jersey – 103,923 (8.2% of travelers), an increase of 4% from those who flew in 2016.
• Nationally – 3.445 million (7.8% of travelers), 4.6% more than last Independence Day.

Train, Bus, Watercraft or Other Mode

• New Jersey – 99,801 (7.8% of travelers), a 0.9% increase from 2016.
• Nationally – 3.273 million (7.4% of travelers), up 1.4% from last year.

Lower gas prices driving increase in auto travel

The average price for a gallon of gas in New Jersey has dropped every day this month to today’s average of $2.29. While New Jersey drivers may be paying more for gas this Fourth of July holiday than last ($2.29 vs. $2.10) – due to the gas tax increase that took effect in November – the national average price for a gallon of gas is $2.25, five cents lower than 2016.

Nationally, gas prices remain historically low for the summer travel season. However, consumer may see small price increases closer to the holiday weekend, similar to the Memorial Day gas price trend.

AAA to rescue more than 338,000 motorists this Independence Day

AAA expects to rescue more than 338,000 motorists this Independence Day weekend, with the primary reasons being lockouts, flat tires and batter-related issues. AAA recommends motorists take their vehicle to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out. Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the changes of a breakdown.

Slow Down, Move Over

The record number of travelers means that motorists are sure to encounter police officers, tow truck drivers and other first responders working on the side of the highway. AAA reminds the public that every state has a law requiring motorists to slow down and move over when approaching these vehicles.

“First responders are killed or injured every year throughout the country,” said Lewis. “Slow Down, Move Over laws are designed to protect those who are working to protect us.”

The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4. AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. Visit the AAA Newsroom to view the complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2017 Independence Day Travel Forecast.

AAA Northeast in New Jersey provides automotive, travel, insurance, financial and educational services to its nearly 400,000 members in Essex, Morris and Union Counties.

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