AAA is predicting that a record-breaking 47 million Americans will be traveling this 4th of July holiday.

That's a 5.3 percent increase over last year and the highest July 4th number since AAA started tracking travel statistics nearly two decades ago.

What’s driving the record numbers? “A strong economy, more disposable income and the fact that July 4th falls on a Wednesday” said Ed Welsh, AAA Northeast Regional General Manager. This gives travelers more flexibility to schedule trips the weekend before or after the holiday.

Welsh says despite higher gas prices, nearly 40 million people will travel by car.

Welsh says gas prices at about 60 cents higher than they were last year at this time.

The average price in the Utica-Rome area is $2.98 a gallon.

More From WIBX 950