AAA is predicting a record number of travelers nationwide over the Fourth of July holiday. The projected 49 million travelers by road and air represent more than a 4% increase over last year. Just announced this week is an 8 cent jump in the average gas price in Kentucky.
But, Lexington AAA spokesperson Lori Weaver Hawkins doesn’t expect that to result in a big change in travel plans. “Folks probably have their plans already made before that, so I’m not really sure that the most recent, cause we’ve only seen the increase here in the last week, so I’m not sure that will play too big a role,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Compared to prices at the pump last July, gas prices are still some 17 cents less a gallon. With hot weather predicted in many spots across the country, Weaver Hawkins says it’s always wise to get cars in for a maintenance checkup to avoid a breakdown.
Weaver Hawkins says the traffic congestion could mean travel through metropolitan commuter areas four times longer than normal. “If you can plan your trip and either go around take some of the bypass type highways. Anything that you can do to avoid being there at the normal commute times,” noted Weaver Hawkins.
Weaver Hawkins says Wednesday of this week is projected to be one of the heavier travel days.
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