Google Maps Traffic Forecast Shows Best and Worst Times to Drive During 4th of July 2018

Google released a traffic forecast on Thursday that shows the best and worst times to travel to several major cities in the week of the United States Independence Day celebrations.

July 4th is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, which also usually means heavy traffic along major highways and cities should be expected. Luckily, traffic forecasts are already available days before the holiday. Now, people can plan a travel schedule and avoid wasting time on the road as much as possible.

Google’s traffic forecast indicates that there will only be a “slightly elevated traffic” in the days prior to July 4th. Researchers suggest that less traffic can be expected considering that the holiday falls on midweek and most people are likely "staying local."

The report included by-the-hour traffic forecast in 25 major cities, including New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington DC, Orlando, Los Angeles, and more. The study shows that, generally, the best time to travel into these cities is at 4 a.m. on July 4 while heavy traffic buildup is expected in all locations mentioned at 3 p.m. of the same day.

This can be an effective guide especially for people who still have to come to work on Monday and Tuesday. “Your best bet is to hit the road on Wednesday morning between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. to avoid traffic and maximize the time spent BBQing, poolside, or lounging in your favorite red, white, and blue gear,” Google said.

Meanwhile, 3 p.m. is seen as the worst time to be on the road since many people are expected to be moving around to reach their preferred locations to watch 4th of July fireworks.

For people who have to attend work the very next day after the holiday, Google suggests that they start their trip by 11 p.m., when most of the traffic and crowd caused by firework celebrations have already diminished.