Strong travel demand along with a slight easing of gas prices
will keep Californians traveling in increasing numbers this Fourth
of July, according to AAA of Northern California
’s latest travel forecast.
Strong travel demand along with a slight easing of gas prices will keep Californians traveling in increasing numbers this Fourth of July, according to AAA of Northern California’s latest travel forecast.
AAA estimates more than 5.4 million Californians will travel this Fourth of July holiday weekend, an increase of 2.6 percent from last year. Approximately 4.5 million, or about 82 percent, are expected to travel by car. That’s a 1.7 percent increase from last year. Over 900,000 travelers, or approximately 17 percent, plan to reach their destinations by air – a 7.3 percent increase from 2003.
In California, gas prices are down about ten cents after hitting record highs around Memorial Day.
The majority of Fourth of July travelers say they plan to stay with family and friends or at a hotel or motel. Other lodging choices include driving a camper/trailer/RV or staying at a cabin/condo for the weekend.
• Safety Restraints. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained either in a seat belt or child safety seat at all times, no exceptions. An unrestrained passenger can cause serious injury or death to another passenger in a crash.
• Alcohol Use. Do not drink and drive – even for short distances. Also remember that certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness or other physical effects that make driving unsafe.
• Fatigue. Be sure to get enough sleep the night before a vacation. Stop every 2 hours or 100 miles, get out of the vehicle and walk around and stretch. Do not try to drive straight through on long trips. Take breaks to eat and see local sights.
• Car Maintenance. Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical repair before a road trip. Check hoses, belts, brakes, lights, wipers and fluids. Check the tires. Make sure they have adequate tread, and are aligned, balanced and properly inflated.
• Speed. Most fatal crashes occur at top speeds. Drive the speed limit, don’t tailgate and give yourself enough room around your vehicle to maneuver around dangerous situations.
• Distractions. Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Ask a front seat passenger to change the radio or CD or place a cell phone call. If you must eat, pack finger foods that don’t drip or leak. Have drinks in spill-proof containers. Pull off the road to discipline children and secure items that move or roll around the vehicle.
Research for July 4 holiday travel is based on a national telephone survey of 1,300 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America.
