JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Much of the country hitting the roads, and the Natural State is no exception.
Many drivers found their routes taking them through Region 8.
“We’re on our way to Omaha Nebraska, so we’ve been on the road for about five hours this was our first stop,” said Bobbie Moore and Irma McClendon, drivers travelling to Nebraska from Mississippi.
With all the vehicles on the roads, officials are asking people to be safe.
“We want to keep people safe, especially on a holiday,” said Craighead County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Jason Allen.
He said much of the traffic won’t be seen on the Fourth of July.
“Going out of town typically the day before the holiday starts because they want to go to the lake of the river. We see that influx leaving, we see that influx coming back in,” he said.
AAA estimates that over 70 million people will be driving 50 miles or more this Fourth of July.
Allen said drivers will need some patience.
“Give yourself plenty of time, don’t get frustrated with all the traffic,” he said.
ARDOT cameras showed plenty of traffic moving smoothly on I55 early Thursday afternoon. Moore and McClendon drove on that freeway earlier in the day, they said it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
“For the most part it’s been pretty good. Memphis was kind of congested we had an impaired driver this early in the morning,” Moore said.
Allen said it’s not uncommon to see impaired drivers on the road during the Fourth of July weekend.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said between 2019 to 2023, over 40 percent of drivers killed during the holiday period were drunk.
Allen said drivers will need extra vigilance like Moore and McClendon.
“I was very shocked and what made me notice, he was veering into my lane, and I looked over at him he was right up on the steering wheel and his face was all red and you could tell he was impaired,” Moore said.
Allen said drivers should keep from texting and driving as well, and to make sure you have your seatbelt on. Moore and McClendon said they hope everyone enjoys the holiday.
“To be safe, there has been a lot of law enforcement out today so they’re out making sure that we’re safe,” Moore said.
Assistant Chief Allen said to call 911 if you think you see an impaired driver on the road. Look out for people swerving into lanes, driving too fast or too slowly or any erratic behavior.
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