Vehicle travel during the Fourth of July holiday period this year is expected to increase by 4.3%, escalating to a record-high 41.4 million Americans hitting the roads compared with 39.7 million in 2018, according to AAA.

Commercial drivers should prepare to contend with congestion, delays, and frustrated motorists — especially in major metro areas.

Inrix, a global mobility analytics company, predicts drivers could face delays as much as four times a normal commute, with Wednesday, July 3 the worst day on the roads. Delays are expected to increase by approximately 9% across the nation.

The 2019 Independence Day holiday period is defined as the five-day period from Wednesday, July 3, to Sunday, July 7.

Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco are among the major metros that will experience the worst congestion on Wednesday, July 3, resulting in delays ranging from two times to nearly four times the normal commute times.

Inrix anticipates that Houston and Seattle will see traffic delays on the actual holiday, Thursday, July 4, that are approximately three times the normal travel time.

The worst day for road travel in Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago will be Friday, July 5, according to the Inrix report. Anticipated delays range from two times to more than three times the normal commute times.

While Saturday appears to be the quietest road travel day in major metros, Sunday, July 7 is expected to be the worst road travel day for those driving n Washington, D.C.