The Best and Worst Times to Drive on Fourth of July Weekend

If you’re heading somewhere for the Fourth this weekend, you’re not alone . . . far from it:  Just under 48 MILLION Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this year.  And even with gas prices sky high, 88% will drive.  But here’s some info to help you beat the rush . . .

A company that analyzes traffic data looked through their stats to predict the best and worst times to drive.  And as you’d expect, it’s good to leave really early, or really late.

1.  If you’re leaving today, the best times to be on the road are before 10:00 A.M., or after 9:00 P.M.  That’s when you’ll hit the least amount of traffic.

2.  If you’re leaving Saturday, the best times to drive are before noon, or after 7:00 P.M.  The worst time to be on the road tomorrow is between 2:00 and 4:00 P.M.

3.  And if you’re driving Sunday or Monday, you’re in luck!  Both of those days should have far less traffic in general.  But mornings and nights are still best.

A separate study looked at the best and worst times to drive from a SAFETY standpoint.  And the WORST times to be on the road are between 1:00 and 3:00 A.M.

On any given day this weekend, deadly car crashes caused by speeding will peak between 1:00 and 2:00 A.M.  And wrecks caused by drunk drivers will peak between 2:00 and 3:00 A.M.

(AAA / USA Today / Fox News)