According to AAA, New Jersey residents are altering their holiday plans for Independence Day due to the gas crunch.

AAA estimates about 40 million people will drive 50 miles away from home this holiday weekend. That's down about 1 percent from last year.

Gas prices topped $4 per gallon in the Garden State this week, but didn't stop there. The cost for regular in Franklin Lakes is as high as $4.19.Residents say they're feeling the pinch.

"The gas is costing so much money, we can't spend it on other things," says Pamela Woodward, a mother who had intended on camping with her family in Rhode Island. The family is still making the trip, but without the camper.

"We're going to take our van instead and stay at a motel, which actually may be a little cheaper than having to pull the camper," she says.

AAA says the average price per gallon in the Garden State is currently $3.99. That's more than a dollar higher than it was this time last year.

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