Travel tips ahead of busy week on the highways

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — AAA representatives said they’re expecting to rescue more than 20,000 drivers in the Carolinas alone this Fourth of July week.

They said they’re expecting the highest volume on record, 2.2 million people traveling this week across North Carolina. With that influx on the road, they said it’s important to prepare for your travels and the setbacks you could face.

“A big tip is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep when you get behind the wheel,” AAA Director of Public Affairs Tiffany Wright said. “Make sure that you’re in a good state of mind, because you know what might take you a lot longer than you anticipate to reach your destination.

“You might be looking on that GPS, that app, and it says, Oh, I’ll be there in four hours, but it might in fact take you six hours to reach your destination or seven hours.”

Wright added that due to the increase in traffic on the highways, drivers should allow themselves extra time on their travels.

“Don’t get in a hurry and just realize that, you know, everybody’s trying to reach your destination,” she said. “We’re all trying to go there all at once and so, I think it’s important that we’re tolerant of other drivers out there, not taking things so personal, because that can lead to aggressive driving, which can lead to road rage.”

AAA also suggests inspecting your vehicles before leaving for trips. This includes checking windshield wipers, topping off fluids and making sure the tires are filled with air.

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