Record-breaking travel expected for Fourth of July week

MARYLAND (DC News Now) — If you’re planning to hit the road for the Fourth of July weekend, be prepared– millions are expected to travel by car, the highest amount on record for the holiday, according to recent projections.

According to AAA, travel is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, with more than 1.86 million people from the DMV region expected to travel for the holiday. Of those, 1.65 million are forecast to drive to their destinations.

Experts are urging travelers to plan ahead, leave early and stay alert, especially on peak travel days. Wednesday and Sunday are expected to be the busiest days on the roads. However, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) warned that between noon and 6 p.m. Thursday, roads could also experience severe congestion, particularly around the Baltimore and D.C. metro areas.

To help with the anticipated volume, drivers will notice increased patrols on Maryland highways. Crews will be ready to respond to emergencies quickly, including clearing debris and assisting with disabled vehicles, which have been increasingly common.

“Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready to hit it too,” said Charlie Gischlar with Maryland State Highway Administration. “That means checking your oil, coolant system, headlights, tires and making sure you have a full tank of gas.”

Another important suggestion Gischlar gave is stick to main roads like U.S. 50, and avoid service roads that could lead to backups or delays.

“Leave early, stay late, and give yourself plenty of time,” he said.