Aiken County gas prices are low as travel ramps up for busy July 4 holiday period

More than 60 million people are expected to drive more than 50 miles from home for the Independence Day holiday.

That figure breaks yet another travel record since the pandemic, according to an American Automobile Association news release.

The busiest days to travel are projected to be June 28, June 29 and July 3, AAA added.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a release. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

Gas prices in Aiken County are lower at $3.073 compared to the $3.106 statewide average and $3.448 national average.

Air travel follows the record-breaking trend with about 5.74 million people expected to fly for the July 4th weekend, which is a 6.8% increase from last year.

Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said it is important to travel more cautiously during the summer months because more fatalities occur on the road during the vacation season.

Glover advised drivers to make sure they have a valid driver’s license, to obey the speed limit and have other drivers with you to switch out if you get drowsy.

“We want to wish everybody a happy and safe Fourth of July,” Glover said. “If alcohol is a part of their celebration, just make sure you have a designated driver or have a ride share like Uber or Lyft.”