Traffic expected to build starting this weekend across Kentucky and the U.S.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — July 4th is fast approaching, and while the holiday weekend is still more than a week away, experts say travel will pick up soon.
Before the fireworks and barbecues, many Americans will hit the road in the days leading up to Independence Day.
In fact, experts predict travel will begin as early as this weekend.
“Really looking at June 28th all the way through July 6th as the primary travel period for the 4th of July holidays, so people are going to likely get on the roadways early if they can especially if they are going some distance,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins with AAA Bluegrass.
The busiest travel days are expected to be around July 2nd and the return day of July 5th. In Kentucky, more than 820,000 people are expected to travel for the holiday. Officials say 90% of them will be driving.
That’s why experts recommend leaving as early as possible on your departure day to beat the traffic.
But if you do find yourself in heavy traffic, officials say it’s important to keep your cool… especially in the summer heat.
“I know the temperatures are soaring, but we don’t want your anger to soar along with it,” Hawkins said. “I took the short drive last weekend from Lexington to Louisville, and I was just amazed at the anger that I saw with other drivers. Cutting drivers off, brake checking drivers, it is not your job out there to correct other drivers’ behaviors,” said Hawkins.
AAA also reminds drivers that extreme heat can impact your car.
“The truth is that summer’s high temperatures are actually harder on your car’s battery than the low temperatures of winter,” Hawkins said. “So if your battery is getting some age on it, I usually say about 3 years for where we live here in Kentucky, get that checked out by a qualified technician,” said Hawkins.
Officials also recommend checking your tire pressure, as hot temperatures can cause air levels to fluctuate.
