Record travel numbers expected during Independence Day weekend, according to AAA

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

The American Automobile Association is expecting record travel numbers this holiday weekend.

Given the current forecast weekend, there are some things that drivers should be aware of before hitting the road. 

AAA projects more than 43 million Americans will be driving during Independence Day weekend, setting a new record for the holiday. With increased traffic comes an increased amount of accidents. 

The Department of Transportation reported 1,460 between 2017-21 over the July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were involved in drunken driving incidents. These types of accidents can be easily avoided. 

“Everybody has the opportunity to call somebody and figure something out for a ride,” Cpl. Kyle Green, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said. “We strongly encourage people to plan ahead.” 

High temperatures can also take a toll on your car. AAA warns that extreme heat can push a car past its limits, and that can lead to some drivers finding themselves stranded at the roadside. 

There is also a chance of severe storms ahead of the holiday, which could make the highways more hazardous. 

Slick roads are a factor in close to 1.2 million crashes every year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. 

“I think with the storm situation it’s going to be more popup storms so it’s kinda hard to predict where these things are going to flare up at,” Green said.  “So we always want to educate our drivers and let them know that if they find themselves in a situation where it’s a popup storm and it’s strong, very windy, they can always pull over towards the shoulder or an exit ramp or something like that and wait it out.”

In 2022, the MSHP reported 10,913 total crashes -- 53 fatal -- in rainy conditions.