Analysts are expecting an increase in the number of South Dakotans traveling for the 4th of July holiday.
AAA projects over 215,000 South Dakotans will travel 50 miles or more this weekend. That’s a two percent increase from last year.
The majority of those, over 182,000, are expected to drive.
“Travelers are gearing up for a busy Fourth of July travel period across the Mt. Rushmore State,” said Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA South Dakota. “With a wide majority of travelers going by car, AAA is reminding South Dakotans to follow the rules of the road, always stay sober behind the wheel, be courteous to other road users and remember to buckle up―everyone, every time, every trip―before heading down the road.”
Nationwide, more than 72 million Americans are set to travel for the weekend. If the projection holds out, AAA analysists say this will be the busiest Independence Day travel holiday on record.
Those drivers are set to save a bit at the pump. Gas Buddy reports the average cost of a gallon of gas in South Dakota is $2.92, down a few cents from last week and nearly a quarter cheaper than last year. In fact, nationwide drivers are set to see the lowest 4th of July gas prices since 2021.
As for the busiest times on the road, transportation data company INRIX projects Wednesday afternoon and Sunday afternoon will see the most traffic congestion.