PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, many people will be traveling across America to celebrate Independence Day.
Whether traveling by car or plane, many Americans are traveling somewhere in-state or out-of-state.
This comes with safety rules and things travelers should keep in mind while on the road or in the sky.
Jayme Bufford of the Illinois State Police said there are ways for drivers to stay safe behind the wheel this Fourth of July.
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“You know, you have to have a plan,” Bufford said. “Obviously, whether you’re just in town or you’re traveling long distance, you have to have a plan. Know your route. Make sure the kids are properly restrained, have child restraints and everything else,” she said.
“If you are going to consume alcohol at [a] “If you’re partying, make sure you have a sober driver. Arrange it in advance so you don’t have to scramble to find someone to drive you home,” she said.
When traveling for the holidays, people aren’t just driving. They’re also flying all over the country. While local flights are convenient for many travelers, Peoria International Airport says there are still a few precautions to take before flying.
“One of the myths is that you can’t show up five minutes before your flight leaves, especially if you have a bag to check,” said Cheryl Bockhold-Sloan, the airport’s marketing manager. “The computers shut down 45 minutes before departure. If you have to check in at the counters before your flight, that’s not something you can do right away because you’re flying out of Peoria.”
She also said the size of the airport and the roads leading to it play an important role in the ease of local travel.
“It’s easier to travel from PIA or any of your local airlines or airports than it is from Chicago or the St. Louis area,” she said. “Not only because of the congestion at the airport itself, but also because of the highway travel and the travel to and from all the other job sites.”
PIA also says the holidays boost the economy through gas and food purchases.
