For the first time in nearly a decade, the number of Americans traveling during the Fourth of July holiday is expected to decline, AAA reported this week.

AAA projects 40.45 million Americans will travel during the July 4th holiday weekend, down 1.3 percent, or nearly 550,000 Americans, from the 41 million who traveled last year.

This is the second consecutive travel holiday in 2008 where a year-to-year decrease was forecast.

“While the numbers of travelers are a bit off from last year’s levels, it is important to note that there are still millions of Americans that plan to travel,” Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA president and chief executive officer said in a statement.

According to AAA, more than 13 percent of the U.S. population will be on the road this holiday weekend despite record gas prices. Many will be taking advantage of travel bargains that are being offered by hotels hoping to boost last-minute business.

“Clearly gas prices are continuing to take a toll on the traveler’s budget, but the travel industry is responding, as they have in the past, with discounts, promotions and other incentives to get people traveling this holiday.” Darbelnet said. “For instance travelers should look out for free gas card offer-ings, breakfast promotions, kids-eat-free deals, car rental discounts and, of course, always ask about AAA member discounts.”

The California Highway Patrol is urging drivers and passengers to protect themselves by avoiding alcohol, observing speed limits and wearing safety belts this Fourth.

“The summer is in full swing, and everyone wants to squeeze in as much fun as possible,” said Capt. Rick Ward, commander of the CHP’s Auburn-area office. “Traffic volumes may be high, and unfortunately so is the potential for collisions.”

Last year, 18 people died in crashes during the 30-hour July Fourth holiday. CHP officers made 568 DUI arrests during that same period. This year, every available CHP officer will be on the road during the “Maximum Enforcement Period,” which begins at 6:01 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 6.

Independence Day also marks the first holiday since California’s new “hands free” cell phone laws went into effect Tuesday.

“If they need to make or take a call, drivers must remember to keep their hands on the wheel, not on the phone,” Ward, said. “And drivers under 18 must refrain from using the cell phone when they’re driving a car.”

During the holiday weekend, the CHP will be joining forces with statewide traffic safety agencies from Nevada, Arizona and Oregon in C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) enforcement focusing on speed, DUI and safety belt use.

“We want people to think safety whenever they get behind the wheel this summer,” Ward said. “Common sense and courtesy will go a long way toward achieving that goal, but if a driver chooses to ignore our suggestions, we’ll be there to remind him or her.”

The Journal’s Jenna Nielsen can be reached at jennan@goldcountrymedia.com.

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More information: Stay safe

If you plan to be on the road this weekend, the California Highway Patrol has several suggestions that can reduce the risk to you and your passengers:

??Make sure that only non-drinking drivers get behind the wheel. Alcohol and driving do not mix.

??Always buckle up on every trip, no matter how short. Safety belts and safety seats protect you and your passengers from other drivers who may not be as careful.

??Leave plenty of time for your trip. If you cannot leave early, don’t become impatient with traf-fic. Take a break from driving at least once an hour. Share the driving among all those with valid driver’s licenses.

??Maintain safe speeds for conditions. Even if the posted speed limit is 65 mph or 70 mph, when traffic is heavy or visibility is limited, a lower speed is safer.

??Remember the “rules of the road” and drive accordingly. Obeying stop signs and signals, keeping two seconds or more between you and the car ahead, and practicing common courtesy with other drivers helps keep everyone on the road safer.