People around the tri-state are getting a jump on traveling for the July Fourth holiday weekend -- with many heading out of town Thursday for the long weekend.
The American Automobile Association, AAA, predicts that 39 million people across the country will travel this weekend. More than three million of those will be from New Jersey.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority predicts 1.6 million vehicles will travel the Garden State Parkway Thursday and 1.5 million on Friday.
If you're traveling by car, experts encourage drivers to make sure their vehicles are up for the trip.
AAA spokesperson Catherine Lewis said "you don't want to be the person that's stranded on the side of the road holding up the rest of the people traveling."
Checking tires, fluids, belts and hoses before you head out could help prevent a breakdown, experts said.
Gas prices are still high around the region. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of gasoline in New Jersey is $3.63, up more than $1 a gallon over last year.
NJ Transit will offer early getaway bus and rail service starting at 1 p.m. Friday. More than one million passenger trips were taken during the three-day holiday last year.
A shuttle will link train stations with beaches and shopping areas in Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar for $1 a ride beginning Friday.
