Record-breaking 4th of July Holiday Car Travel Numbers Across the United States and Delaware


If your commute feels a bit slower today, there’s a reason. With the Independence Day holiday this week, AAA is projecting a spike in travel — meaning more congestion on the roads. A record-breaking 72.2 million travelers across the US, including more than 203,000 Delawareans, are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the July 4th holiday. According to AAA, record road travel volume will be evident today, July 2, as it will be the busiest getaway day by car for the holiday weekend. With nearly 180,000 Delawareans expected to travel by car (representing more than 88% of all holiday travelers). Traffic delays could be as high as twice what a normal daily commute would be. Off peak travel – early morning or later in the day – could significantly reduce time spent in traffic.

Spokesperson Jana Tidwell tells the Talk of Delmarva that AAA anticipates that today July 2nd will be the busiest getaway day for those traveling by car as many plan an extended weekend with the 4th falling on a Friday. As far as tomorrow–Thursday’s travel…
She says Sunday July 6th will be the day many will likely be returning home causing great congestion on the roadways and crowds at the airports.