Many go forth for the Fourth

Deepa Bharath

Most holiday travelers will, as always, hit the freeways this

weekend.

Of the 3.3 million Southern Californians who will travel during

the Fourth of July weekend, 2.7 million will be driving, said Marie

Montgomery, spokeswoman for the Automobile Club of Southern

California.

“Every year, it’s pretty much the case,” she said. “People drive

because it is the cheapest way to go.”

That’s true despite escalating gas prices, Montgomery said.

The average price of one gallon of unleaded gasoline this time

last year was $1.64. That’s up to $1.76 now, she said.

“But it’s not a big enough increase to make a dent in people’s

vacation budget,” Montgomery said.

She said those planning long trips should plan their routes in

advance by calling the Caltrans Highway Information Hotline.

“That way, they’ll know about lane closures and freeway closures

in advance,” she said.

It’s also a good idea to travel during off-peak times to avoid the

heavy traffic. Leaving, say, this afternoon may be a better idea than

to have left Thursday night. The same applies to return journeys,

Montgomery said.

Those leaving home late at night or early in the morning must make

sure they don’t fall asleep on the wheel.

“If you’re drowsy, stop in a brightly lighted area, take a nap and

drive after you’re refreshed,” she said. “Driving drowsy is as

dangerous as driving drunk.”

The Automobile Club of Southern California is also offering its

free Tipsy Tow service to drinking drivers during the holiday

weekend. The service is available from 6 p.m. Thursday until midnight

Sunday.

John Wayne Airport is also expecting a busy holiday weekend,

airport spokeswoman Ann McCarley said.

“Our passenger loads are full,” she said. “Based on recent trends,

I’d say that we expect higher numbers this year than last year.”

More than 100,000 passengers flew in and out of John Wayne Airport

last July during the holiday weekend, McCarley said. She said the

security checkpoints manned by the Transportation Security

Administration will be adequately staffed to ensure passengers are

not delayed.

All parking lots will be open, including the Main Street lot.

“Thursday and Sunday will most likely be our busiest days,”

McCarley said. “On these days, we suggest passengers arrive at least

two hours ahead of time to allow time for parking, checking in and

security screening.”

Fireworks will not be allowed on the flights, she said.

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@latimes.com.