Fourth of July Tradition: Travel — And Traffic

Tourists will be making their way in and out of Central Oregon for the Fourth of July weekend, a traditional trip for many, and a slight dip in gas prices comes right in time for the holiday. While drivers are hitting the road, it’s a notorious weekend for drunk driving, meaning police will be out in force as well.

Oregon State Police said Fourth of July is the deadliest holiday period of the year on Oregon roads.

While lower gas prices may get more people traveling, many locals said they are staying closer to home this year.

“I’m just hoping to stay out of the traffic and out of the people and be nice and quiet,” one Bend resident said Thursday.

“We don’t really like to travel a lot on this holiday,” another resident said. “There’s a lot of traffic.”

For those who do plan on traveling, AAA-Oregon expects hot spots of interest to be the Oregon Coast and campgrounds in Central Oregon.

“We are going to go camping during the weekend,” said another Bend resident. “Then come back to watch the fireworks at (Pilot) Butte.”

Officials expect most people will be well on their way, even before the weekend hits.

“Most of the time, people are set and ready to rock and roll,” Cee Lee of AAA said. “I would anticipate today, after work. People have a three-day weekend, stretching it out to a four day. Tonight, I anticipate more traffic in the Central Oregon region.”

AAA expects 39 million Americans, or 12.4 percent of the population, to travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday weekend. That’s a 2.5 percent decline from the 40 million people who traveled over the Fourth in 2010.

While gas prices are slightly lower than they were a few months ago, some travelers say it’s still affecting their plans.

“We sure think about where we’re going and what we’re going to be doing,” said one tourist. “It gets very expensive now. To fill up (my truck) is $80. That’s a lot.”

OSP troopers said they will be upping patrols, focusing on impaired drivers. Officials said half of all Fourth of July period traffic fatalities are alcohol-involved crashes.

The danger is one reason why some people are putting off travel for later.

“We try to go when the holidays are over,” said a visitor. “So the roads aren’t as busy, and it’s a little safer.”

Bend police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers as well. They said they catch DUI’s day and night during the holiday weekend. Every police agency steps up patrols to try to keep the Fourth from being a tragic holiday.