4th of July Travel Tips for Maryland Highways As Record Traffic Expected

The cheapest gas prices in a decade should make the 2016 Fourth of July holiday weekend a record-setter for Maryland travelers with about 890,000 residents leaving home.

AAA Mid-Atlantic said Monday that nearly 43 million Americans will travel this July 4 holiday weekend, an increase of 1.3 percent over last year’s holiday and five million more travelers compared to Memorial Day weekend.

The holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, June 30, to Monday, July 4. The auto club says nationally it expect a 1.3 percent in July 4 weekend travel compared to a year ago.

“A more confident consumer and rising economic activity are … offsetting a cooling labor market to help boost holiday travel,” said Ragina Cooper Averella with AAA Mid-Atlantic. “This trend is welcome news for the travel industry, as well as a sign that people are taking to the highways and skies like never before.”

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On Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Maryland was $2.28, while premium cost $2.84, according to AAA. That’s about 50 cents a gallon cheaper than one year ago.

To avoid major traffic delays, the Maryland Transportation Authority suggests leaving for the holiday weekend before 2 p.m. Thursday, or traveling in the morning or late evening.

SEE ALSO: Storm Chances and Sunshine Share the Forecast: Week's Weather in Maryland

Bay Bridge Crossings

And it’s crucial to travel at off-peak times when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The MDTA says the best times to travel the Bay Bridge on weekends are:

• Thursday/Friday: Before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday: Before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday/Monday: Before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
• Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass “On the Go” retail locations.
• Know Before You Go - To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information.

AAA has online tools to help drivers save on fuel:

• Fuel Price Finder locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
• Fuel Cost Calculator helps budget travel expenses.
• TripTik Mobile plots fuel prices along your travel route.

And here’s a reminder from authorities on how to safely navigate the busy highways.

Rules of the Road:

• Devote your full attention to driving - it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Buckle Up! Every Seat. Every Time.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Obey speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Do not change lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Keep your eyes on the road - do not sightsee.
• Do not tailgate – follow at a safe distance.
• Make sure your vehicle is "road ready."
• If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.