AAA Oklahoma is projecting that more than 510,000 Oklahomans will travel a distance of 50 miles or more over the Independence Day Holiday weekend.
As usual, the large majority will be driving to their destinations. However, air travel and other modes of travel transportation (trains, cruises and buses) are up significantly compared to last year.
More than 80% of travelers – or more than 410,000 Oklahomans – will be hitting the roads and highways for the holiday despite record gas prices. Air travel will see a 2.5% increase over last year, with nearly 68,000 Oklahomans taking to the skies this Independence Day weekend.
“The volume of travelers we expect to see over Independence Day is likely to be the highest for summer holidays since 2019,” said Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson. “Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People have made their plans and despite it costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much- needed vacation.”
With a holiday weekend full of busy highways, AAA Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) crews expect to respond to more than 446,000 calls for help nationwide and nearly 4,000 members across Oklahoma left stranded by dead batteries, tire troubles, other engine breakdowns, lockouts — and even drivers who have run out of gas.
“Hot temperatures and longer-than-normal trips are hard on vehicles,” said Jason Cravens, fleet manager for AAA Central Oklahoma. “Our goal is to get our members back on the roads as quickly and safely as possible for the Independence Day holiday weekend and throughout the busy summer.”
National Independence Day Holiday Travel Projections
Summer travel is already in full swing and Independence Day will be no exception as AAA predicts 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4). This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021, bringing travel volumes just shy of those seen in 2019. The biggest surprise – car travel – will set a new record despite historically high gas prices with 42 million people hitting the road. With crowded roads and busy airports, AAA wants to prepare travelers so they can have a stress-free July 4th celebration.
Car travel volume, even with national average gas prices going over the $5 mark, will break previous records as 42 million opt to drive this Independence Day. Recent issues with air travel and ongoing concerns of cancelations and delays may be driving this increase. In fact, the share of people traveling by air will be the lowest since 2011.
