DRIVERS have been warned of traffic chaos on July 4 – with experts pinpointing the exact hours to avoid.
Millions are set to hit the roads to travel for the upcoming holiday weekend.
July 4 traffic chaos can be avoided as AAA shares peak hours and travel tips[/caption]
Millions are set to travel this holiday weekend – leave early to beat the rush, experts warn[/caption]
Gas prices have dropped but July 4 traffic surges[/caption]
AAA urges drivers to plan ahead with emergency kits and early departures[/caption]
And motoring experts at AAA believe traffic this year could be even worse than last year – although gas prices are down.
To beat the rush, they are encouraging people to leave early in the morning – as more than 5.5 million passengers are expected to use Port Authority airports, bridges and tunnels between July 3 and July 7.
Furthermore, nearly 2.2 million passengers will travel through JFK, Newark, LaGuardia and Stewart International airports.
Indeed, Reuters reported the figures amount to 1.3 million more on the roads and 80,000 more flying, compared to last year.
To this end, travellers are being urged to leave early and allow enough time – whether it’s on the road or at the airport.
Gas prices, though, are proving to be a little more positive, as nationally gas is $3.17 for regular, with ABC7NY listing prices at $3.20 in New York, $3.15 for New Jersey and $3.17 for Connecticut.
AAA said: “I would say AAA would advise travelling before 2 p.m. to avoid the 2 to 6 rush hour. If you’re travelling on the fourth itself, 12 to 7 is expected to be a pretty rough travel period.”
They also added that the worst day to travel will be Sunday.
Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, added in a news release: “Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away.
“With the holiday falling on a Friday, travellers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.
AAA also strongly recommends completing routine maintenance and preparing an emergency kit before hitting the road.
An emergency kit should include essential items like a first-aid kit, basic tools, a blanket, a car cell phone charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, paper towels or wipes, drinking water, snacks, jumper cables, duct tape and an ice scraper – even in the current hot weather – to ensure safety and preparedness on the road.
CYBER-YARD
Elsewhere, over 100 unsold Teslas have been left abandoned at a parking lot of a former shopping mall.
The once site of a Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, Bed Bath & Beyond and a plus-sized clothing store, has become a so-caled “cybertruck graveyard”.
In the city of Farmington Hills, the Hunter’s Square shopping center landlord has been getting into hot water with the accumulation of unsold cars in the parking lot.
Planning and community development director of the city, Charmaine Kettler-Schmult, said what he is doing isn’t exactly in the rules: “The enforcement process is being followed and takes time.”
Landlord and head of Symmetry Management, Frank Jarbou, has not responded to calls for comment by other outlets.
A major makeover is in the future plans for the shopping centre, to reconstruct it into a new Meijer grocery store and spot for other retailers.
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it’s essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
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