OHIO — Across the country, people are preparing for the July 4 weekend, with millions planning to travel at least 50 miles or more from home.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4 is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel in a news release. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”

What You Need To Know AAA predicts 72.2 million people will travel during the holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6

ODOT said they will be pausing construction projects to open roadways more in Ohio

Across the country, AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car

AAA predicts 72.2 million people will travel during the holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6 across the country. This is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to 2024 and an increase of 7 million more than in 2019.

“As we do for any major holiday, we are pausing construction projects wherever we can,” said ODOT’s Matt Bruning. “It’s a matter of removing as many barrels and opening lanes through work zones wherever we can.”

Bruning said it is vital for drivers to stay safe by not driving under the influence, wear seatbelts, avoid distracted driving and pay attention to the roads.

“We want people to enjoy the holiday but to enjoy it safely,” Bruning said.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will also be out during the holiday weekend.

“The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired drivers from the nation’s roadways,” said OSHP Sergeant Brice Nihiser. “Coordination with our law enforcement partners around the state is vital to ensuring a safe holiday for everyone.”

Nihiser said drivers are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.

“The Patrol’s priority throughout the year is focused on reducing fatal crashes and ensuring roadway safety,” he said. “With increased traffic during the Fourth of July holiday, troopers will be highly visible to prevent crashes and intercept impaired drivers.”

Across the country, AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, 5.84 million by airplane and 4.78 million will travel by bus, train or cruise.

Last year, there were nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls related to dead car batteries, flat tires, people locking themselves out of their car or running out of gas.

Drivers are encouraged to plan their trips ahead, check weather forecasts and check traffic updates via www.OHGO.com

ODOT, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and AAA are expected to address Ohio’s holiday traffic on Friday, June 27.