Travelers, revelers, take heed this holiday

Don't drink and drive. Take public transit downtown. And please - no fireworks on the plane.

With the Fourth of July just days away, authorities are issuing a slew of warnings in hopes of keeping the annual holiday safe and accident-free.

With punishing fuel prices, it appears thousands of Americans will celebrate their independence close to home. The number of travelers this long weekend is anticipated to dip by more than half a million, according to the AAA.

But that's not to say people won't be on the road and in the air, with 40.5 million expected to journey somewhere. That number may reflect people who sacrificed elsewhere for the annual rites of summer, experts surmise.

"People are making cutbacks throughout the year to travel because it's a summer pastime," AAA spokeswoman Nicole Niemi said. "They go out less or rent fewer movies."

On July 4, 2007, 41 million individuals traveled. Of those, 34.6 million hit the roads compared to an estimated 34.2 million, or 1.2 percent less, this year, AAA projects. It's not surprising with gas averaging $4.14 a gallon in Illinois, a buck higher than in 2007.

A sampling of people in downtown Arlington Heights Tuesday found most planned to celebrate Independence Day here, and most confirmed they are altering their driving habits because of the sticker shock at the pump.

"We bundle trips and use the smaller car," Steve Diedrich of Arlington Heights said.

Diedrich is contemplating buying a scooter, a purchase that is also tempting the Hulligan family. It's understandable when it takes $80 to fill Margaret Hulligan's gas tank.

"We're very conscious of where we drive and whether it is a necessary trip," Hulligan said during a stop at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library with sons Will, 7, and Mason, 3.

For those driving this long weekend, state and local police will be out in full force with enhanced patrols to check for impaired motorists.

A $1.4 million enforcement and education effort will run through Sunday with more than 100 roadside safety checks planned, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced.

Officials are pushing public transit as an alternative to get to events such as the Taste of Chicago and Grant Park fireworks. Both Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority are offering expanded service and trains.

"July 3 is traditionally our busiest day of the year," Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said.

"With gas prices, terrific weather and the start of a long weekend, it's going to be very, very busy."

While overall air traffic is expected to decrease, O'Hare International Airport officials estimate 1.3 million people will arrive and depart over the holiday, similar to 2007.

The Federal Aviation Administration reminded air travelers to leave the fireworks and sparklers at home because friction can cause them to ignite.

Asked if such warnings were necessary in these times of heightened security, FAA spokeswoman Tammy Jones said yes, explaining "some people aren't thinking."

Travel wisely

If you are driving this July 4th holiday, remember state and local police will be out in full force checking for intoxicated motorists.

Metra and the CTA are offering expanded schedules to accommodate people heading into the city for fireworks and the Taste of Chicago. For information, check www.metrarail.com or www.transitchicago.com

If you plan to fly, arrive at the airport in plenty of time as today and Thursday are expected to be busy.