AAA Carolinas projects that nearly 1.2 million North Carolinians will travel this weekend hitting a record high for Fourth of July travel.

AAA Carolinas Public Relations Manager Tiffany Wright said the high volume of travelers is due to the low gas prices.

“The numbers just keep going up and up in a direct correlation of the fact that, I know some folks have seen gas prices go up and down and up and down but they are still the lowest that we have seen in 11 years, so that’s impressive,” Wright said.

Since more people will be on the road this weekend it is important to keep the roads safe.

“Try and do those things that are preventable. Obviously, have your seatbelt on, don’t drink and drive, and by all means please eliminate as many distractions as you can. There’s nothing worth a life,” Wright said. “So what we like to say is, ‘get in that vehicle, stay focused, disconnect and drive’, put those mobile devices down, do the one thing you are meant to do when you get behind the wheel, and that’s drive the car.”

To make sure your travel route is clear of construction and closed roads, you can check the NCDOT website for up to date information. You can find more resources for your travel with the AAA mobile app.

“It’s great. You’ve got a navigation system to help travelers find the best route, and you can also find updated gas prices. We like to say, ‘shop smart at the pump’, look for those cheap gas prices as you are trying to reach your destination, and if you are a AAA member you can view those discounts,” Wright said.

Wright said many residents will be traveling to destinations along the coast of North and South Carolina. She added Washington, D.C. was another popular location to spend the July 4 weekend.

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