Thinking Process:

1. **Deconstruct and Analyze the Source:**
* *Topic:* AAA forecast for July 4th travel week.
* *Key Stats:* 72.2 million Americans traveling 50+ miles (June 27-July 5). 61.4 million driving. 85% of travelers by car.
* *Comparison:* 2025 had 61.3 million drivers, 71.8 million total travelers. So 2026 (implied by "this year" vs "last year 2025") is slightly up for drivers (61.4 vs 61.3) and up for total (72.2 vs 71.8).
* *Fuel:* National avg regular gas $3.15 (2025 was $3.15? Wait, source says "national average price... was $3.15 during the 2025 Independence Day holiday." and "prices are higher this year". So 2026 price > $3.15. Also mentions 2022 was $4.80. So current is >$3.15 but

Photo by Sami Aksu on Pexels