Record-Breaking Travel Expected for Fourth of July
As millions take to the skies, millions more will hit the road over the next week-and-a-half as they make their way towards beaches, mountains, and lakes.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — “Everybody’s moving around, moving and shaking, baby,” says Stephen Pond.
“It’s the United States of America. 4th of July weekend.”
Pond was one of the 40,000 people at Charlotte-Douglas Thursday afternoon trying to get a jump on the holiday weekend.
“It’s going to be busy at Charlotte and all the airports in North Carolina for the next week,” quips Daniel Velez, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesman.
The TSA expects three million people per day will be traveling across the country this weekend. He says his agents will have their hands full, but will do all they can to make sure passengers get to their destinations on time.
“We’re making sure we’re fully staffed and that we’re ready to go,” adds Telez.
As millions take to the skies, millions more will hit the road over the next week-and-a-half as they make their way towards beaches, mountains, and lakes. But even four-wheeled travel can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared.
“We’re going to rescue thousands of thousands of motorists in the Carolinas,” Tiffany Wright, director of public affairs for AAA, tells us.
AAA says they expect to assist nearly 800,000 drivers nationally through July’s first week.
“As the temperature rises, it can really wreak havoc on your vehicle, specifically tires and your battery,” says Wright.
That’s why it’s important to always check your vehicle before a big trip. Tires, car batteries, and brakes are top-ticket items, but you’ll also want to top off your engine oil and pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, non-perishable food, drinking water, first aid supplies, emergency flares or reflectors, and a flashlight with additional batteries should you be stranded for an extended amount of time.
And if you notice your car is having issues…
“Pull over and try to get as far over off the side of the road to keep some distance between yourself and passing traffic,” Wright suggests.
And remember to pack your patience.
“We’re driving to be as safe as possible. Be patient of other drivers, be tolerant, and by all means, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and please, please slow down, move over for those emergency personnel that are rescuing us on the roadside so that they can get to their holiday as safe as possible.”
