AAA: Record Number Of Americans Expected To Travel During Independence Day Holiday

A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.

Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.

For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.

AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.

Georgia Gas Prices Fall Ahead of Busy Independence Day Travel Period

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Georgia drivers are getting some welcome relief at the pump just as one of the busiest travel periods of the year approaches.

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Georgia Troopers Report Deadly 2026 Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 12 people were killed on Georgia roads during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday travel period.

The 78-hour reporting period ran from 6 PM Friday, May 22, through midnight Monday, May 25. During that time, officials reported 298 traffic crashes statewide, with more than 150 injuries.

Law enforcement officers also made 329 DUI arrests and issued 708 distracted driving citations, along with 911 seatbelt citations. Officials say 31 crashes involved impaired drivers.

The 2026 fatality count was double the number reported during the same holiday period in 2025, when six people were killed on Georgia roads.

One of the fatal crashes was reported Sunday morning in Northwest Georgia’s Troop A region and claimed the life of a 24-year-old.

Public safety officials continue urging drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence.

AAA Warns Memorial Day Drivers About Risky Cost-Cutting Habits As Gas Prices Rise

AAA is warning Georgia drivers not to let higher gas prices lead to risky decisions behind the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.

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Georgia DOT Suspending Interstate Lane Closures For Memorial Day Weekend

The Georgia Department of Transportation says interstate lane closures will be suspended across the state for the Memorial Day holiday travel period.

The suspension begins Friday, May 22nd, at 12:00 p.m. and will continue through Tuesday, May 26th, at 5:00 a.m. Georgia DOT says the move is intended to reduce travel delays and improve safety during one of the busier travel weekends of the year.

Motorists should remember that while lane closures are suspended, construction crews may still be working near roadways. Some long-term closures may also remain in place for safety reasons, and emergency or crash-related lane closures can still happen at any time.

Drivers are urged to stay alert, slow down in work zones, and move over when possible when workers are present. Georgia DOT says heavier traffic is expected around metro Atlanta and popular tourist destinations across the state.

Travelers can find traffic forecasts and holiday travel tips at the Georgia DOT website.

 

AAA Predicts Record Memorial Day Travel For Georgia And Nationwide

AAA says a record number of travelers are expected to hit the roads, skies, and rails this Memorial Day weekend, including more than 1.3 million Georgians.

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Georgia Gas Prices Slide Again to Close Out 2025, Giving Drivers a Little Extra Holiday Breathing Room

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Georgia motorists are wrapping up the year with another bit of relief at the pump, as the statewide average has dipped to about $2.68 per gallon as of Monday (Dec. 29), even though small day-to-day swings are still possible.

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