AAA Projects 72.2 Million Will Travel for Fourth of July

This year’s Independence Day forecast is slightly higher than 2025

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day. 

The holiday travel period began on June 27 and runs until Sunday, July 5. 

This year's domestic travel forecast surpasses last year's record of 71.8 million travelers, but the increase is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. 

AAA says 61.4 million will travel by car, nearly the same number as last year. Another 5.85 million will take domestic flights, up eight percent from last year. 

Summer Safety on the Road 

July 4th week can be especially dangerous on the road with more teen drivers behind the wheel and a rise in impaired driving due to holiday festivities. That’s why AAA is urging drivers to commit to 100 Days of Safe Driving this summer. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with MADD, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out. 

Drivers preparing to take road trips should also prioritize car maintenance and stay on top of routine oil changes, plus check battery condition and tire pressure. Last year during Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls. Half of those required towing services, and nearly 30% of those calls were for battery replacement and flat tires.  

Once on the road, AAA reminds drivers to Slow Down, Move Over whenever there are emergency responders and stranded motorists on the side of the road. By reducing speed and changing lanes, drivers allow roadside workers to do their jobs safely and help prevent tragedies.