Community Corner

AAA Recommends Designated Driver This 4th of July

Falling gas prices to get more Americans on the road for the mid-week holiday.

 predicts that almost 1.3 million New Jersey residents will travel 50 miles or more during the Independence Day holiday weekend, an increase of 4.1 percent over last year. 

With Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday, AAA believes that many travelers are taking advantage of the midweek holiday by expanding their travel from the traditional five days to six. AAA, which has a location in Florham Park, is defining the Independence Day holiday travel period as Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 8.

When asked about the day of departure 54 percent of people intended to begin their trip prior to the start of the work-week that includes the 4th of July.

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Before you hit the road to get to your Fourth of July destination, AAA recommends planning ahead and choosing a designated driver. If you have a drink, make sure you have a taxi number handy or stay at a local hotel.

To encourage safe driving practices, AAA New Jersey Automobile Club offers Safe Tow, a free tow home for the intoxicated motorist and his or her vehicle in Essex, Morris and Union Counties.

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Auto travel remains the most popular method of transportation this holiday, with 84 percent of travelers hitting the roadways.

“The extra time, coupled with falling gas prices have helped encourage travelers to hit the roadways in force,” Cathleen Lewis, Director of Public Affairs for AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, said in an email. “While travelers continue to seek ways to economize, the longer holiday period allows for longer trips.”


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