Numbers

By Melissa August, Harriet Barovick, Michelle Derrow, Tam Gray, Lina Lofaro, Ellin Martens, David Spitz and Chris Taylor

37.4 million Number of Americans expected to travel more than 100 miles from home this July 4 weekend--the most in 13 years

9% Increase in travelers who choose not to go by car after last year

27% TV viewers who describe themselves as "stressed" while watching the evening news

51% Viewers "stressed" by watching Martha Stewart $15 billion Insurance money paid out in 1998 as a result of natural disasters worldwide

$93 billion Total estimated cost of damage caused by such disasters in 1998

3% Americans who are "very well informed," according to a survey of political consultants

77% Political consultants who say "unethical practices" occur in their business

51% Consultants who said they were sorry to see their candidate in office

Sources: AAA, Illuminations, Red Cross, Yankelovich Partners