RALEIGH - For this year's 4th of July celebration, less North Carolinians will be traveling to see the fireworks compared to a year ago, according to a prediction from AAA Carolinas.

Angela Vogel Daley, spokeswoman for AAA Carolinas, says this is due to Independence falling on a Thursday this year. “When it falls on a Thursday, many people have to come back to work on Friday and so you do see fewer people traveling when it’s on a Thursday or a Friday.”

Daley says gas prices are another reason people aren't traveling. She says for the most of summer gas prices will be flat and won't spike until September.

According to a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report, July 4 is the deadliest day of the year. Daley says this is due to an abundance of celebrations --many involving alcohol. “Drunk driving is especially an issue during this time of year and so it’s important to have a designated driver [or] call a cab and have that plan in advance.” Last year 45% of North Carolina's fatalities over the Independence Day holiday involved a drunk driver. Typically it's 30%.

Daley says the travel period starts July 2nd and continues to the following Sunday.