AAA predicts record-breaking July 4th travel amid lower gas prices
Indianapolis, Indiana – AAA forecasts an unprecedented level of activity over the July 4 travel weekend since its commencement of data collection in 2000.
Lisa Wall, the representative for the AAA Hoosier Motor Club, has shared their projections, expecting an influx of approximately 50.7 million people journeying over 50 miles. Compared to the previous year, domestic travel is anticipated to rise by an additional 2.1 million people, marking a 4% increase.
Notably, Hoosier motorists may anticipate a respite with gas prices.
AAA’s data reveals that the national average cost for a gallon of regular gas, which stood at $4.80 last year, is predicted to fall between $3.50 and $3.60 this year, owing to a decrease in oil prices.
Interestingly, for Hoosiers, gas prices in certain areas are forecasted to fall below the national average.
To quote Wall, “last year, we were up around $5.00 a gallon, which seems crazy when you think about it, but now if you look at comps around town, we’re closer in that $3.50 or so range, and so that’s going to be significant savings that people are going to feel when they hit the road this Fourth of July weekend.
The average fuel price in Indianapolis, according to GasBuddy, circles around $3.05, with even lower costs observed in areas such as New Castle, where prices can be as low as $2.80.
Wall further elaborates on regional differences, “When looking around the Indianapolis area, if you’re in Marion County, Hendricks County, Hancock County, you’ll see data that might be a little bit cheaper around that average of that $3.37 range. It’s a little more expensive in Hamilton County, like $3.40, but really, we’re under that national average here in Indiana, which is a great place to be.
AAA also anticipates a new record for those traveling by plane, with around 4.17 million people taking to the skies over the weekend, an increase of 11% compared to 2022. A significant rise of 24% is predicted in the number of people opting to travel by bus, train, or cruise ship.
AAA strongly recommends travelers to allocate additional time for their journeys and suggests avoiding traveling during peak periods.
