AAA Arizona expects record-breaking travelers over holiday weekend
Jun 23, 2018, 3:34 PM | Updated: Jun 28, 2018, 5:35 am
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX – AAA Arizona expects both the state and the nation to see a record amount of travelers over Fourth of July weekend.
“Fourth of July is typically the busiest summer travel holiday and this year is no exception,” Michelle Donati, a spokesperson for AAA Arizona, told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “We are projecting a record-breaking, almost 47 million Americans to travel over 50 miles to celebrate Independence Day.
“That is the highest total since AAA started tracking holiday travel about 18 years ago.”
The projected total will break the previous national record of 44 million in 2017, a five percent increase in the amount of travelers overall.
Along with the nation, Arizona is expected to see a 5.6 percent increase from last year, with more than 931,000 travelers expected across state highways.
The projected amount would break the previous state record of 919,000 back in 2007.
“We’ve been waiting to see if gas prices will start to have an impact on travelers, and it doesn’t appear to be the case,” Donati said. “Despite the fact that consumers say $3.00 is their breaking point for gas prices, we have not seen it have an impact on travel so far this summer.”
While prices at the pumps don’t appear to have an affect thus far on those wishing to take roadways for travel, they may have had a slight impact on airlines.
According to Donati, AAA is expecting a lesser volume of travelers through the air over Independence Day weekend. In fact, Americans are expected to pay less on airfare and more on rental cars and hotels.
But with more travelers on highways, comes more rescues for AAA — who are expecting over 362,000 motorists needing help over the weekend.
The most common breakdowns occur due to battery and tire issues, as well as people being locked out of their vehicles, according to Donati. But there’s simple measures travelers can take to ensure they stay safe on the highway.
“Get your vehicle in, get it inspected before you take your road trip,” Donati said. “We are happy to help if you need that along the way, but we know you’d much rather spend your vacation with family and friends as opposed to a AAA tow truck driver.”
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jeremy Foster contributed to this report.
