Nearly half a million South Carolinians are expected to hit the road for the Independence Day holiday, the highest number in more than 13 years, with holiday gas prices the highest since 2008 but the lowest in the nation.
Traffic deaths soared last year over the holiday weekend, with 10 deaths, the highest in four years in South Carolina, partially aided by an extra day of driving. In six of those traffic deaths, alcohol was involved.
“July 4th has proven to be one of the deadliest days of the year for traffic deaths,” said David E. Parsons, President and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “The holiday spirit and corresponding celebrations seem to outweigh caution, courtesy and common sense by drivers this time of year. And we will have more motorists on the road this year.”
The number of person trips, traveling more than 50 miles from home, is expected to be 610,500 million South Carolinians this holiday with 482,100 choosing to drive – up from 471,300 last year – the highest ever based on surveys since 2001.
Airplane trips are estimated at 53,500 and other types of travel – bus, rail, watercraft – is estimated at 74,800.
South Carolina’s gas prices are 21 cents higher than last year, due in part to the unrest in Iraq, which is propping up prices at a time when they would typically be declining with refineries ramping up supply for summer driving.
South Carolina’s current average gasoline price is $3.338. The highest price is in Myrtle Beach at $3.409 and the cheapest is in Spartanburg at $3.064.
Special travel tip: Check windshield wipers to combat sudden thunderstorms. Wipers often freeze and harden during winter, reducing their effectiveness. Intermittent thunderstorms are predicted.
Top drive destinations are Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Charleston, Nashville (TN), Greenville (SC), Orlando, Gatlinburg, Washington (DC) and Greensboro, according to AAA Carolinas.
Traveling south, motorists will find the gas prices averaging $3.589 in Georgia, and $3.617 in Florida. Going north, Virginia’s average is $3.481 and traveling west Tennessee’s average price is $3.462 with Kentucky the highest priced neighbor with an average price of $3.726.
With Friday and Saturday fireworks scheduled throughout the state, and no work the next day, law enforcement and traffic experts are worried about an increase in drunken drivers.
“Don’t turn a good time into a tragedy,” said Parsons. “Don’t drink and drive and be especially vigilant behind-the-wheel. You may be sober. The other driver may not be.”
South Carolina’s Highway Patrol will begin its “Operation Life” campaign July 1st targeting drunk drivers and will continue the program through July 31st.
The state’s Department of Transportation began prohibiting lane closures on interstate highways and high volume multi-lane primary routes last Friday and that will continue through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 13th.
For updated information, visit www.dot.state.sc.us or call 511 within the state.
Airfares are five percent lower on average than last year and air travel is expected to increase about 2.5%, accounting for 53,500 travelers. Other modes of transportation (bus, rail, watercraft) are flat this year at 74,800 travelers.
All travelers will find average hotel rates 15% higher than last year at AAA Two Diamond hotels and nine-percent more at AAA Three Diamond hotels. These are the most popular hotels for holiday travel. Car rental fees remain flat.
The five-day Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 6 as part of the survey data taken from AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, AAA/HIS Global Insight holiday travel forecast and AAA Carolinas data. Records go back to 2001.
To estimate fuel costs, travelers can go to www.fuelcostcalculator.com to input starting city, destination, and the make and model of their car.
The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone and Android devices uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find updated gas prices, view nearby member discounts and access AAA Roadside Assistance.
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