LIMA—As the most American holiday, the Fourth of July celebrates the road to freedom carved out by the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. While the holiday is packed with fireworks, parades and family gatherings, low gas prices and heavy travel are at the forefront of the weekend.
LOW GAS PRICES
The lowest gas prices since 2005 are anticipated for this year’s Independence Day according to AAA. The national average is predicted to be $2.27 per gallon on the Fourth, which has fallen compared to gas prices of $3.66 in 2014 according to GasBuddy, an app that helps customers find the cheapest gas in their area. The return of a sub-$2 per gallon national average is predicted by November.
HEAVY TRAVEL
An estimated 1.8 million Ohioans will travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend, making the highest Fourth of July travel volume on record, according to AAA. Seat belt, drunken-driving and distracted driving violations will be enforced and focused upon due to the record amount of travel in surrounding counties.
Lt. Tim Grigsby, commander of the Van Wert post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, warns travelers of busy interstate highway systems and advises to, “Be aware of changing speed limits and follow detour routes.”
FIREWORK DANGER
In Ohio, use of fireworks that do more than smoke, pop or sparkle, are illegal. All fireworks purchased in Ohio must be taken out of state within 48 hours of the purchase. These laws are enforced by the city of Lima as well as counties such as Allen, Auglaize and Putnam.
In 2014, about 10,500 people were sent to the emergency room for treatment of fireworks-related injuries according to fire safety officials from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Of all firework related injuries, 67 percent, or 7,035 people, get these injuries within a month of the Fourth of July.
The safest way to watch fireworks is at public fireworks shows put on by professionals while maintaining a distance of 500 feet from the show according to the Red Cross.
CLOUDY SKIES
With a high of 83 and a low of 62, the skies will be partly cloudy throughout the day. Rain is not anticipated with only a 20 percent chance.
CHEAPER TRAVEL
Following the lower gas prices trend, prices for hotels have also fallen according to AAA. AAA Three Diamond Rating and Two Diamond Rating hotels range from $144 to $185 per night.
MORE PATROLS
The Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement will have extra patrols between Friday and Tuesday looking for impaired driving.
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