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.

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

Georgia Gas Prices Remain High As Memorial Day Travelers Head Home

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As Memorial Day weekend travel comes to a close, AAA says thousands of Georgia drivers are expected to crowd highways heading home, while gas prices continue putting pressure on family travel budgets.

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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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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 Tax Suspension Offers Relief Ahead Of Memorial Day Travel

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As Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach, Georgia drivers are getting some relief from the state’s extended gas tax suspension.

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Georgia Gas Prices Hold Steady As Market Uncertainty Continues

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Drivers across Georgia are seeing little change at the pump this week, with the statewide average for regular gasoline holding at $3.62 per gallon.

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Wings Over North Georgia Air Show Starts Today In Rome

One of the biggest events of the spring gets underway today in Rome as the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show returns to Russell Regional Airport for a two-day run.

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Gas Prices Continue to Rise in Georgia

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Spring Break travel demand, combined with rising crude oil prices, is continuing to send gas prices higher across Georgia.

AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia now stands at $3.51, up 29 cents from a week ago, 79 cents from a month ago, and 61 cents higher than this time last year.

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