Thousands Expected to Travel July 4th Weekend

[gtxvideo vid=”54wRYzTm” playlist=”” pid=”rkijshg2″ thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/54wRYzTm.jpg” vtitle=”Holiday Travel”]

Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — According to AAA, this is expected to be the busiest 4th of July weekend, travel-wise, in 8 years. Thousands of people are traveling near and far across the Palmetto state this weekend to celebrate 4th of July. “We are heading to Georgia to enjoy fireworks on the beach,” said Evan Curran. According to AAA Carolinas, more than 500,000 South Carolinians are expected to hit the road this holiday weekend, a result of rising income and low gas prices. Paying at the pump for motorists this year costs almost a dollar less than this time last year. “We are very thankful for low gas prices,” said Ashley Foy. With more people expected to be traveling this weekend and celebrating the holiday, officials are reminding motorists to be extra careful. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports 10 traffic deaths over July 4th weekend last year. To ensure safety this year, officials are urging motorists to wear a seat belt, do not drink and drive, plan ahead and designate a driver, and also check your vehicles fluids and tires.