A record number of Americans are expected to travel for the 4th of July. AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home.

Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons and July Fourth falling on a Friday creates a long weekend that many are taking advantage of.

AAA expects over 2 million New Jersey residents to be traveling. Of those, 1.7 million will be driving, about 190,000 flying and 155,000 going on a cruise or taking the bus or train.

Nationally, AAA expects 2.2% more cars to be on the road from last year.

Last year they responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires, plus people locking themselves out of their car or running out of gas.

AAA says summer gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2021. The average gallon of gas today in New Jersey is $3.18.

The worst time to travel today according to AAA is between 2 and 6 p.m.

On Wednesday the worst time is from noon to 9 p.m.

For Friday, July 4th the worst time in noon to 7 p.m. and for the weekend avoid driving during the afternoon.

Wednesday and Sunday are expected to be the busiest days on the road.