According to AAA, 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and July 5. Of those travelers, 61.4 million are projected to drive to their destinations.

Most Travelers Expected to Drive

Road travel continues to account for the majority of Independence Day trips. AAA estimates that 85% of holiday travelers will travel by car during the nine-day travel period. The projected 61.4 million road travelers represents a slight increase from last year, when 61.3 million people took holiday road trips.

Overall travel is also expected to increase from 2025 levels. Last year, AAA reported that 71.8 million Americans traveled during the Independence Day holiday period.

Fuel Prices Remain Higher Than Last Year

AAA noted that gasoline prices are higher than they were during last year’s holiday travel period. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.15 during the 2025 Independence Day holiday. While prices are higher this year, they remain below 2022 levels, when the national average reached $4.80 per gallon on Independence Day.

Despite higher fuel prices compared to last year, AAA expects strong demand for holiday travel. “For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is a tradition,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend.”

Barber added that while overall Independence Day travel appears to be leveling off, AAA is still expecting record travel volumes this year.

Travel Forecast Spans Nine Days

AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast covers the period from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. The organization noted that the forecast includes two weekends. Historically, the Independence Day travel period included only one weekend.

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Last updated: June 22, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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The comprehensive research, conducted across 12 different roadway sites, examined the impact of new posted speed limits – six of which were raised and six lowered – on various road types. The results were eye-opening.

One of the key findings from the study was that increasing speed limits led to a significant rise in crashes on two major interstate highways. On the other hand, lower posted speed limits were associated with a decrease in crashes in many cases examined, according to AAA.

There was, however, a notable side effect of lowering speed limits. It was found that the likelihood of speed limit violations actually increased after these changes were implemented. AAA believes that this highlights the need for better public awareness and education to accompany any adjustments to speed limits.

The study underscores the critical importance of considering the potential consequences when making decisions about speed limits. By promoting more responsible driving habits and raising public awareness, we can work towards safer roads for everyone.

The AAA Foundation study found:

• Raising posted speed limits was associated with increased crash frequencies and rates for two of the three interstate highways examined
• Lowering posted speed limits was associated with decreased crash frequencies and rates for one of the two principal arterials examined
• Changes in travel times were small in response to both raised and lowered speed limits

AAA urges transportation officials to prioritize safety over speed and capacity by adopting a “holistic” approach when setting or changing posted speed limits.

“Our study analyzed before-and-after data on a dozen roadways that raised or lowered posted speed limits and found no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the impact of these changes,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “However, it is critical to consider the safety implications when local transportation authorities contemplate making changes with posted speed limits.”

AAA recommends considering various factors when making changes to posted speed limits. These factors include the type of road, surrounding land use, and historical crash data. AAA also supports automated speed enforcement measures, but emphasizes the importance of carefully implementing these programs to ensure community support, prioritize equity, and consistently enhance safety on the roads.

“The movement in statehouses to raise speed limits is happening across the country in at least eight states this year,” said Jennifer Ryan, director of state relations for AAA. “But the benefits are overrated, and the risks are understated. Increasing speed limits does not always yield the positive results envisioned by traffic planners.”

This study marks the third phase of the foundation’s in-depth investigation. Previously, traffic engineers shared valuable insights on the factors influencing speed limit adjustments. Additionally, crash testing unveiled alarming consequences of even minor speed increases, highlighting the importance of our ongoing research.

Source: Truckers News

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