TOWSON, MD (June 28, 2018) – AAA Mid-Atlantic projects a historic-high of 993,000 Marylanders will travel during the Independence Day holiday, a 5.7 percent increase compared to last year’s holiday, and the highest percentage increase since the 2010 holiday, following the end of the Great Recession. This year’s forecast represents the third consecutive year of record-breaking July 4^th travel figures of over 900,000 Marylanders taking a trip.

The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 8, one day less than last year’s holiday but the same number of days as the 2012 holiday when Fourth of July also fell on a Wednesday. That year broke a new travel record for the holiday, as well.

“Since the 2017 year-end holidays, we have seen a trend in record-breaking holiday travel volume by Marylanders, despite gas prices higher than the previous year’s holiday,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Mirroring the temperament of the country, many Marylanders remain optimistic and are willing to spend part of their income on travel.” 

                        2018 Projected July 4th Holiday Weekend Travel - Maryland

Record Volume Expected for Automobile Travel

A record number of Marylanders are projected to travel by automobile, as nearly 863,000 State residents intend to drive to their destination despite gas prices that continue to trend higher than last year.

“Marylanders are paying prices at the pump that are 20 to 28 percent higher than last year at this time,” commented Averella. “However, Maryland prices, as well as across the nation, have been trending downward since the Memorial Day weekend.”

As of Wednesday, June 27, Maryland’s average is five cents lower than the national average at $2.80 per gallon. The state average is three cents less than last week, 19 cents less than last month, but 58 cents more than last year on this date.  Nearly a month ago on Memorial Day, May 28, motorists paid an average of 19 cents per gallon more to fill up in Maryland when the price was $2.99 per gallon.

With the record volume of Marylanders driving to their destination, AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds motorists to ensure their car is road ready by having their vehicle inspected by a certified auto technician prior to the trip in order to avoid the possibility of spending some of their holiday stranded on the side of the road.

AAA Mid-Atlantic expects to rescue more than 26,000 stranded motorists across the club’s territory, with more than 7,000 of those rescues in Maryland, based on the call volume for the 2017 holiday. Tows, dead batteries and flat tires are expected to be the top three reasons for roadside service.

Number Of Marylanders Flying Highest Since 2001

Mirroring the Memorial Day holiday weekend, air travel for the Fourth of July will grow by the highest percentage of all travel modes compared to the previous year’s holiday. Nearly 75,000 Marylanders are expected to fly, which reflects a 7.3 percent increase from the 2017 holiday. This is the highest volume on record, since 2001, for the Independence Day holiday.

“The incredible growth in air travel this year could be attributed to flyers paying air fare that is nine percent lower than last year, and the lowest Independence Day airfare in five years,” said Averella.

Other Modes of Travel Break New Record

Travel by other modes of transportation, including train, bus, or watercraft, is projected to reach a new Fourth of July holiday high of over 55,000 Marylanders, a 5.5 percent increase compared to last year.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than 937,000 members in Maryland.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit AAA.com.