Nearly 217,000 South Dakotans are among 72.2 million Americans expected to travel for the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend.
Shawn Steward from Triple-A South Dakota says 83.6% percent of South Dakota travelers will drive to their Independence Day holiday destination. The 181,408 road trippers represent a 0.8% decrease from last year.
He says before you hit the road: “Make sure that your car is roadworthy and it’s going to get you safely to your destination,” said Steward. “Last 4th of July, across the country, AAA roadside service crews responded to more than 687,000 calls nationwide, including about 600 here in South Dakota.”
Plus follow the key safety rules of the road: Always stay sober behind the wheel, stick to the speed limit, avoid distracted driving, and remember to have everyone properly buckled up in a seatbelt or child passenger seat.
Also use extra caution in construction zones and allow plenty of time to reach your destination safely.