(The Center Square) — The Fourth of July brings more than fireworks and family gatherings.
This year will also bring record-breaking traffic to the Silver State, warns an AAA expert.
Holiday travel through Las Vegas, Reno and across Nevada looks to bring longer lines to airports and gridlock to the highways. Here are some ways to avoid the worst of the rush and focus on the celebrations.
“We’re predicting record-breaking travel,” said American Automobile Association spokesperson John Treanor, who added that travel in Nevada had begun to pick up over the past weekend. “We’re expecting close to 70 million Americans on the roadways. Expect delays or at least plan for delays.”
Across the country, American families will be heading out to enjoy Independence Day, but Treanor said Las Vegas is one of few cities that will see a dramatic inflow of people.
“Las Vegas is a top destination. And whenever these holidays fall on a Friday or Saturday, that means people will be taking a long vacation,” Treanor told The Center Square. “In Northern Nevada, it will be similar off of Lake Tahoe.”
While AAA does not make predictions on traffic by state, Treanor said gas prices are often a good indicator of travel by road for the holidays. Nevada average prices for regular gas Wednesday were $3.78 a gallon, versus $4.04 a year ago.
“Gas is cheaper than it was last year by a pretty significant amount,” said Treanor. “But what I really recommend: Get an app that will tell you gas prices in your area. That way you can save some money at the pump.”
While lower gas prices means cheaper travel, it also brings more drivers out on the road. AAA anticipates a significant uptick in assistance calls and warned drivers of three easy issues to address before hitting the road.
“Blown tires, dead batteries and overheated vehicles,” said Treanor. He cautioned drivers to check their fluid levels — such as engine oil — and check their tire pressure and replace old batteries. “Batteries do not last that long out here in the West.”
For those flying into or out of Nevada around the Fourth of July, the obvious delay for travelers is longer Transportation Security Administration lines at airports.
