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AAA Oklahoma predicts record number of travelers for Independence Day weekend

Posted at 5:43 AM, Jul 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-01 06:43:30-04

AAA Oklahoma predicts more than a half-million Oklahomans will travel for the Independence Day weekend.

The biggest contributing factor, according to AAA Oklahoma communications manager Cristi Goettel, is gas prices. 

Price are their lowest since 2005.

As of Friday morning, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.28. Oklahoma's is 20 cents cheaper. Tulsa's is just below the $2 mark at $1.98 per gallon.

Last year on this day, Tulsans paid an average of $2.52 per gallon.

Of the 558,000 Oklahoma travelers expected to leave home, 86 percent are expected to travel by car and 12 percent are expected to travel by air.

Goettel says 1,900 drivers will need services like AAA because of dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. 

With temperatures in the mid 90s and approaching 100 degrees in parts of Oklahoma, Goettel reminds drivers to be prepared in case your car breaks down.

"Maybe a bottle of water. You know, if something does happen, you want to be able to stay hydrated in the heat, and more importantly, a way to contact help," she said.

Your driving style is also important, Goettel says. 

Because hundreds of thousands of people are on the roads across the state, Goettel advises taking a defensive approach when you're behind the wheel.

"Drive defensively. You know, there's going to be a lot of people on the roads, a lot of distractions, a lot of people celebrating. You know, you've got to take into consideration that some of the drivers may be drinking," she said.

If you're among the revelers in need of a ride, AAA is once again offering its Tipsy Tow service. 

A tow truck will take you, your car and a friend home for free if its within 15 miles.

Call 1-800-222-4357 and ask for Tipsy Tow. The service runs from 6 p.m. Friday - 4 a.m. Tuesday.

Nationally, 43 million Americans are expected to travel.

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