New laws as travelers embark
Nearly 1 million Tennesseans will travel this week for the Fourth of July, using the Thursday holiday to create a four-day weekend.
So, whether you’re heading to Nashville for one of the best fireworks shows in the country, or to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to take a walk across the new Skybridge or you’re headed out of the state, here’s what you need to know.
Drivers beware
The holiday weekend will be the first major opportunity for law enforcement to enforce the state’s new “Hands Free Law,” which prohibits drivers from using their phones for any reason.
Drivers will be allowed to push one button to accept or end a phone call, but that’s it, Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Don Boshears said. No more watching, recording or broadcasting videos while driving. No more holding your phone as you use turn-by-turn directions.
“Hands-free is basically just what it sounds like,” he said. “You will not be able to hold the phone in your hand or against any part of your body … you can do Bluetooth, you can use headphones and ear pieces and have it play through the radio.”
Top July 4 destinations
Orlando, Florida Honolulu Seattle Las Vegas Anaheim, California New York Boston Maui, Hawaii Anchorage, Alaska Chicago — AAA
On top of the new law, THP will increase patrols across the state over the long weekend.
“We ask that drivers assist us in our efforts by celebrating the holiday responsibly and not driving impaired or distracted (which will now include the new hands free law), don’t speed or drive in a reckless manner and by making sure to wear their seat belt,” Boshears said in an emailed statement.
Construction free
To help drivers, TDOT will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon Wednesday through 6 a.m. Monday. Long-term projects that have previously closed lanes will still be affected.
The only possible trouble-spots along the state’s interstate system, TDOT spokesmen said, are Interstate 75 in Campbell County near Caryville and the continued reconstruction project on Interstate 440 in Nashville.
“We anticipate high traffic volumes on our interstates and state routes around the July Fourth holiday,” spokesman Mark Nagi said in an emailed statement. “We are stressing the importance to motorists to make sure that they don’t drive distracted.”
Still, with all of the cars on the road, there could be delays. AAA estimates the worst time to travel over the holiday weekend is Wednesday afternoon, when travelers and commuters will be rushing around at the same time.
Gas guzzlers
Nearly 900,000 Tennesseans are expected to hit the road over the holiday weekend, a number up 5% from last year, according to AAA estimates. Those drivers should get some relief at the pump with gas prices cheaper than they were a year ago.
A gallon of gas will set you back roughly $2.66 nationwide, 22 cents less than a year ago. Across Tennessee, though, it’s cheaper than that. According to Gasbuddy.com, the average gallon of gas across the state is $2.40, 17 cents lower than last year.
“Gas prices have fallen, on average, 18 cents since Memorial Day weekend, making it easier for motorists to hit the road to celebrate the July Fourth holiday,” Stephanie Milani, Tennessee’s AAA spokesman said in a news release. “More so, summer gas prices are poised to continue dropping even lower in coming weeks.”
Average regional gas prices per gallon according to Gasbuddy.com (as of June 28): ❚ Nashville: $2.49 ❚ Memphis: $2.38 ❚ Knoxville: $2.35 ❚ Chattanooga: $2.34 ❚ Clarksville: $2.69 ❚ Atlanta: $2.59 ❚ Asheville, North Carolina: $2.60 ❚ Louisville, Kentucky: $2.71
People fly, just not as much
AAA estimates fewer than 50,000 Tennesseans will fly over the July Fourth weekend, but the roughly 44,000 who do, will be up nearly 6% from last year.
Like the roads, the busiest day for flying will likely be Wednesday, AAA estimates. Leaving more time for lines and security checks is advised.
If you’re flying, there’s a chance you’re paying more than last year. According to AAA’S Leisure Travel Index, airfares on average are 10% more expensive compared with last year’s Independence Day.