Despite higher prices at the gas pump, Kansas AAA is still anticipating a sizeable number of travelers for the Fourth of July holiday period.
According to AAA Kansas Manager of Public and Government Affairs Shawn Steward, current projections indicate roughly 690,000 Kansans are expected to travel over the weekend as part of the more than 72.2 million Americans expected to be taking trips to celebrate the holiday.
While the number of travelers is “slightly up” from the previous year, gas prices are up notably by 60 cents over the same time last year, with the Kansas average as of Wednesday sitting at $3.51 a gallon as opposed to $2.90 a gallon at this same time last year. Steward says the higher gas prices do not look to be affecting those who will be traveling by vehicle, as AAA is projecting 84 percent of travelers will drive to their destinations.
Steward also says the likely high point for travel will be in the afternoon to evening hours Friday and he encourages travelers to try and hit the road before that timeframe to avoid heavy congestion. Steward would also remind listeners that their first stop before their intended destination should be to an auto shop or mechanic to ensure their vehicle is prepared to make the trip regardless of the distance, especially with the extreme heat that will be in place through Independence Day.
Should your vehicle break down during your trip, Steward says it is important to have a plan in place, starting with knowing exactly who to call in the event of an emergency.
Travelers should also make sure they have enough drinking water in their vehicles for all passengers, including pets and ways to keep cool in the event of a breakdown. For more information on holiday travel projections, visit cluballiance.aaa.com.
