Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

WILKES-BARRE — AAA Mid-Atlantic expects to see record-breaking numbers for travelers over the July 4 holiday weekend.

Nationally, AAA predicts a record-breaking 48.9 million Americans to travel.

Travelers may find little independence from traffic, especially on the days before the holiday, which falls on a Thursday.

More Americans than ever recorded by AAA — nearly 49 million — are making plans to honor the red, white and blue with an Independence Day getaway this year — more than 2 million more than last year.

AAA Mid-Atlantic projects more than 61,000 Wilkes-Barre area residents plan to travel 50 miles or more to mark the second summer holiday weekend. The number represents a nearly 4 percent increase over last year’s forecast.

The Independence Day holiday period is defined as Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7.

By the numbers

• 2019 Wilkes-Barre Region Independence Day Holiday Travel Forecast

Automobiles: The vast majority of Wilkes-Barre area travelers — more than 50,000 — will hit the road this Independence Day — 3.9 percent more than last year.

Planes: More than 5,200 people will travel by air — a 6.7 percent increase locally and the 10th year of consecutive air travel volume increases.

Record-level drivers equals record-level delays

For the 41.4 million Americans traveling by automobile this Independence Day, INRIX (a global transportation analytics company), in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the greatest amount of congestion on Wednesday, July 3, as commuters mix with holiday travelers.

In major metros, drivers could face delays as much as four times a normal commute. Drivers should avoid peak commuting hours altogether or consider alternative routes.

What’s causing the increase in travelers?

In addition to lower gas prices compared with last summer, broader economic fundamentals remain strong. Low unemployment, robust consumer spending, and rising disposable incomes are all encouraging more consumers to invest their hard-earned money in travel this summer.

The expected increase in travelers this year is also helped by Independence Day falling on a Thursday, giving travelers more flexibility to schedule a trip the weekend after the holiday.

“Independence Day is a time for the much loved family road trip and this year will be one for the record books, with more Americans than ever planning vacations,” said Jana Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “This holiday builds on the strong travel demand seen for Memorial Day, and with schools now out of session, families are eager to travel.”

Gas Up and Go

With today’s national average of $2.68, gas prices are 16 cents less year-over-year and expected to drop even lower into the summer. This is motivating record numbers of travelers to take road trips for the holiday weekend.

Locally, gas prices remain 15 to 20 cents below this time last year and relatively steady less than one week after the refinery fire at Philadelphia Energy Solutions, the largest refinery on the East Coast. Five years ago, local drivers were paying 80-plus cents more than this year.

“Gas prices are, on average, 15 cents cheaper than Memorial Day weekend, which is welcome news for motorists hitting the road to celebrate the July Fourth holiday,” said Tidwell. “More so, summer gas prices are poised to continue dropping even lower in coming weeks.”

AAA to rescue nearly 367,000 motorists

AAA expects to rescue nearly 367,000 motorists at the roadside this Independence Day holiday as a result of dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires and more.

AAA recommends motorists take their vehicles to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out on a road trip.

Additionally, before hitting the road, motorists need to be prepared for emergencies by taking along a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers.

AAA Mid-Atlantic Logo.jpg
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_AAA-Mid-Atlantic.jpg.optimal.jpgAAA Mid-Atlantic Logo.jpg

Tidwell
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_web1_Jana-Tidwell-AAA.jpg.optimal.jpgTidwell

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_I-81.jpg.optimal.jpg
AAA says more than 60,000 residents will hit the road

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.