ATLANTA – In what is no doubt a welcome sign, the number of Americans projected to travel this Independence Day is slated to increase, AAA predicts.
Nationwide, AAA predicts a 17.1 percent increase in the number of travelers this Fourth of July compared to last year. In Georgia, the number of travelers this holiday is expected to increase by 11 percent.
“Overall, travel sentiment for Independence Day weekend is very high compared to last year, when the U.S. economy was in a very different place and Americans felt the strain of the recession,” Jessica Brady, manager, AAA Public Relations, said in a news release. “Optimism is high this year for Independence Day travel, as more Americans report they plan to travel this year since they stayed home last year, mainly for financial reasons.”
In Georgia, 834,641 of the 910,000 total travelers are expected to drive. Police statewide are planning to step up enforcement, and state officials predict 18 traffic deaths this holiday weekend.
“Anytime a holiday period falls on a weekend, there is an increased chance of encountering an alcohol impaired driver as you travel,” Col. Bill Hitchens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a news release. “Minimize distractions in your vehicle and be alert should you be forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision.”
