Traveling this Fourth of July weekend? Here are a few things to keep in mind...

Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta
·4 min read

This Fourth of July weekend, roughly 50.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, setting a new record for the holiday, according to AAA Travel.

With more people on the roadways and in the air, travelers can expect delays and should plan further ahead for their trips.

“We’ve never projected travel numbers this high for Independence Day weekend,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “What this tells us is that despite inventory being limited and some prices 50% higher, consumers are not cutting back on travel this summer. Many of them heeded our advice and booked early, another sign of strong travel demand.”

Fourth of July weekend travel by car is expected to set a new nationwide record.

AAA projects that 43.2 million people will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.4% over 2022 and 4% higher than pre-Covid numbers in 2019. This summer, gas prices are well below what they were one year ago.

The national average for a gallon of regular was $4.80 on July 4, 2022. Gas prices have remained steady over the past few months, with the national average hovering around $3.50 to $3.60 a gallon. In Visalia, the average is roughly $4.30 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Holding drivers accountable

To help people arrive safely at their destination, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning at 6:01 p.m. Friday and continuing through July 4.

“Reckless driving is a serious concern on California’s roadways, and it is the responsibility of CHP and OTS (Office of Traffic Safety) to help keep the public safe,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Every year, speed is the leading cause of roadway crashes in our state, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths. Slow down and help us make our roads safer for everyone.”

Throughout the holiday weekend, all available officers will be on patrol.

“Maximum enforcement helps save lives and protects everyone on our roads by holding drivers accountable for dangerous, unlawful behaviors like speeding and impaired driving,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Whether you are traveling near or far, make a plan to go safely before heading to your destination. We want you and your loved ones to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.”

In California, 44 people were killed in collisions during last year’s Fourth of July weekend. CHP also made nearly 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence throughout the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort, according to the state agency.

“We encourage you to safely enjoy your holiday weekend,” Duryee said. “Travel at a safe speed, avoid distraction behind the wheel, buckle up, and drive sober. Rest assured, CHP officers will be working diligently to protect those who are traveling on California’s roadways.”

In addition to car travel, air travel is also expected to set a new record.

Fourth of July air travel

AAA projects 4.17 million Americans will fly to their destinations on Independence Day weekend, and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is no exception.

Airport officials anticipate a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend and summer travel season.

Travelers are urged to arrive early and to check with their airline for any requirements to ensure a seamless trip. With flights anticipated near or at capacity, fewer options may be available to accommodate rebooking if flights are missed.

The busiest times through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at the Fresno airport are 4:30 a.m. – 6 a.m., 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and again from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays are the busiest days to travel locally and nationally.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport offered these airline tips:

  • Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport up to two hours before domestic flight departures and up to three hours before international flights.

  • Check with your airline on flight status before leaving for the airport. Convenient flight status links are available on most airline websites and mobile apps, or passengers may telephone their airline for flight status information.

  • Be sure to check with your airline and review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest COVID-19 travel requirements specific to your destination and requirements for international travelers returning to the United States.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: AAA anticipates Fourth of July travel will set new record