What holiday travelers should expect this Thanksgiving

According to the United States Department of Transportation, (USDOT) the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods are the busiest long-distance travel times of the year. “Historic gas prices, the lowest we were back in 2007 at $2.05, that’s the national average, with $2.17 now”. “Others will fly, take the bus or set off on a cruise to celebrate with their loved ones”. Of that number, 950,000, or roughly nine out of 10, are expected to drive, a jump of 5.1 percent from 2015. More than 43.5 million nationwide – or 89 percent of travelers – are driving to their destinations. Despite incremental increases in the national average price of gasoline during the past couple of months, AAA estimates US drivers have saved more than $28 billion so far at the pumps this year, compared with the same period last year.

Although they have risen recently, gas prices this Thanksgiving are the second-cheapest in nearly a decade. Price-tracking website Gasbuddy.com shows the Las Vegas average slightly higher at $2.44.

On Monday the national average was $2.14 per gallon.

East Carolina University student Jake Pierce said he was pleased with the price.

Brydon Ross, vice president of state affairs with Consumer Energy Alliance said the efforts in the United States to become less dependent on foreign oil have contributed to a rise in Americans opting to travel by vehicle.

She said pets and kids can be a distraction as well so make sure the kids have something to do while driving; also make sure your pet is restrained.

Researchers found 84 deer strike crashes during Thanksgiving week during 2015, but they say there have been several hundred that weren’t reported. “Take precautions, check your tire pressure, your battery, and get your auto ready for the trip”.

If you’re traveling this Thanksgiving week, plan ahead.

Whitney Timberlake was at the pumps on Tuesday morning to fill her tank in preparation for a trip home to Charlotte.

One factor contributing to more people hitting the road, gas prices are down this week.

“As the earlier holiday travelers combine with our commuter and commercial customers, drivers need to be very aware of their surroundings”, said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. Prices were as low as $1.75 Friday in parts of Minnesota.

For those who are traveling, officials hope they buckle up. “Last year was just a little bit cheaper”. A forecast by AAA predicts 48.7 million people will travel over the Thanksgiving weekend.