Record Numbers Traveling Over Fourth Of July Holiday

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Daytona Beach, FL - A record number of Floridians are expected to travel over the Fourth of July holiday. AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins said auto travel is expected to increase for the sixth consecutive year with 2.3 million Floridians expected to drive 50 miles or more. That number is about five percent more than last year.

Jenkins said people will also travel by other modes of transportation with more than 196,000 people will travel by air with 137,000 more people traveling by bus or train. The numbers for all types of travel is up across the board.

Though gas prices are lower than last year, issues over the last week have caused an increase of about 11 cents per gallon for regular gasoline. Jenkins expects the price to increase another five cents by the end of the week.

The worst day for travel, according to Jenkins, should be on Wednesday, as commuters will be on the roads with holiday travelers. Jenkins said checking out alternative routes is a good idea to avoid some of that extra congestion.

While gas prices have gone down, the price of airfare has increased about 10 percent and car rental rates are about five percent over last year.

Jenkins said AAA expects to rescue close to 367,000 motorists across the country with the biggest problems being dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts. He suggests getting your vehicle checked out before you plan to leave. Jenkins also suggests preparing for emergencies by bringing a car charger for your cell phone, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks.