The U.S. Independence Day holiday is poised to be the busiest on record, with the American Automobile Association forecasting 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles between June 28 and July 6. The total is 1.7 million higher than last year and about seven million above the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. Roughly 61.6 million travelers are expected to drive, while airports and rail lines are also bracing for unprecedented volume. Motorists will find the cheapest Fourth-of-July fuel in four years. AAA put the national average price of regular gasoline at about $3.17 a gallon on July 1, and GasBuddy data show the average slipped to $3.10 on the holiday itself—below the $3.12 recorded in 2021. Twenty states are reporting averages under $3, and analysts estimate households will spend around $500 million less on gasoline over the long weekend than they did in 2024. The decline follows a more than 17% retreat in West Texas Intermediate crude from its January high, helped by an Israel-Iran cease-fire and steady U.S. shale output. Energy analysts say prices could dip below $3 nationally later this summer provided hurricanes or renewed geopolitical tensions do not disrupt supply. Traffic agencies warn congestion will be heaviest on July 2 and July 6, and the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 18 million passengers over the period. AAA urges drivers to hit the road before mid-morning, inspect vehicles for maintenance issues and prepare for extended delays as record numbers take advantage of cheaper fuel and the long holiday weekend.