If you’re hitting the road this Independence Day, there are some tried-and-true ways to make your journey as safe and hassle-free as possible.

This year is shaping up to be a potentially record-breaking travel holiday. The American Automobile Association (AAA) says an expected 46.9 million Americans may travel 50 or more miles away from home.

Close

“This Independence Day will be one for the record books, as more Americans take to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways than ever before,” said Bill Sutherland, senior vice president of AAA Travel and Publishing.

“Confident consumers with additional disposable income will look to spend on travel this holiday, building on an already busy summer travel season.”

Drivers are being warned about “Terrible Tuesday,” which is expected to be extremely busy starting in the late afternoon of July 3, according to INRIX, a company that studies road travel and habits for major cities in collaboration with AAA.

“I will make plans not to be on the road on July 3,” one woman traveling from Baltimore to Boston by car next week told LifeZette. “It’s worth being creative with your schedule to avoid the frustrations of bumper-to-bumper traffic.”

AAA has particular insight into traveler snags: The not-for-profit group “expects to rescue more than 362,000 motorists at the roadside around the Independence Day holiday.” It cites dead batteries, lockouts, and flat tires as the leading causes of car trouble.

Google is also trying to help travelers. The tech giant used data from last year’s Fourth of July to create a tool that depicts the best times to avoid traffic around the Independence Day holiday — which they have denoted as July 3-6 — in 25 major metropolitan areas.

[lz_third_party align=center includes=
https://twitter.com/ForbesTech/status/1012400724049846273]

To avoid becoming one of those unlucky travelers whose holiday getaway turns into a travel nightmare, useful tips from AAA can keep you and your family from becoming a statistic:

  • Make sure to stay hydrated; bring along plenty of water.
  • Take a first aid kit with you.
  • Make sure you have all necessary supplies for changing tires.
  • Make electronic copies of your ID and documents.
  • Don’t carry your wallet or cellphone in your back pocket; keep them secure at all times.
  • Avoid traveling during peak travel hours.
  • Make sure you’re well-rested; always pull over if sleepy.
  • Use a hands-free device for calls; never text or use a phone while driving.
  • Never drink alcohol while driving.
  • Have an emergency plan; know where you are at all times, and know the locations of local hospitals.
  • Know the severe weather and natural disaster evacuation routes.
  • Ensure a friend or family member knows your exact travel plans.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: Shopping Deals You Can’t Miss This Fourth of July

These tips can help keep your holiday travel a safe and happy one.

For extra peace of mind, contact your insurance company or AAA to find out about travelers’ services.

Kyle Becker is a content writer and producer with LifeZette. Follow him on Twitter.