SAN ANTONIO – It’s going to be busy on the roads this weekend.
AAA predicts that over 3 million Texans will take a trip for the Fourth of July holiday. The majority, about 2.6 million, are expected to drive. More people are expected to hit the roads than they did last year with heavier traffic expected Friday through Monday. AAA suggests planning ahead and giving yourself some extra time to get to your destination.
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"Of course once you are on your way, please don’t be distracted by mobile devices, other passengers in the vehicle, eating (and) music,” said AAA Texas spokesman Doug Shupe. “Your focus really needs to be on the road ahead, especially with all the amount of traffic we're expecting over this holiday weekend. We want people to get to their destination safely."
AAA also said it’s always a good idea to employ defensive driving techniques, such as keeping your eyes on the road, have a safe distance from the car in front of you, and to be mindful of construction zones.
Many people looking to hit the road for the Independence Day weekend will be pleasantly surprised to find it costs less to fill up your tank this year than it did in years past.
AAA expects to have to rescue 370,000 drivers on the side of the road nationwide this holiday weekend.
A couple things to check before you hit the road:
- Make sure your fluid levels are topped off
- Your car battery
- Your tires and tire pressure.
"The summer heat, dust, idling in traffic- really can take a toll on vehicles in the summertime so it’s real important that you make sure you summer-ize your vehicle," said Shupe.
AAA said the most common reasons people call roadside assistance is for a dead battery, flat tire, or they locked themselves out of their car.
For more information or travel tips, you can visit www.AAA.com