Low gas prices trigger record high Independence Day traffic
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- The number of Michiganders headed to Fourth of July activities this weekend is expected to reach record high numbers, all while gas prices are at a record low.
“Of course July 4th being the most popular summer holiday of the year, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads for the holiday weekend,” said GasBuddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "They will be greeted by gas prices which are seasonally, the lowest level since Independence Day weekend of 2005.”
People from across the country were in Traverse City on Friday to celebrate the Fourth of July and attend the National Cherry Festival.
This weekend the roads are expected to be the busiest they have been in 15 years.
According to AAA, 44.2 million Americans are expected to hit the road this weekend and nearly 1.5 million are Michiganders.
One Minnesota family, who made the trip to Traverse City, planned ahead to try and beat the traffic.
“We left in the middle of the night, so our traffic wasn't too bad,” said Heather Rymer, who lives in Minneapolis. “But once we got into town it is definitely, well, there's a lot of traffic.”
Another tourist who makes the trip to Traverse City every summer says he expected the traffic, but was surprised by the gas prices.
“Traffic is high, but I think that you expect that over the Fourth of July and the Cherry Festival,” said Wally Smolak, who lives in Naples. “But gas for this kind of price, you can afford to do some traveling by car.”
Michigan gas costs anywhere from $2.15 to $2.30 per gallon across Michigan, according to GasBuddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan.
“We are dealing with a glut of supply and that has driven prices down,” said DeHaan.
GasBuddy suggests for everyone to fill up their gas takes as soon as possible because prices could hike back up as soon as July 2nd.
