Memorial Day weekend: Number of travelers up, gas prices down

Friday marks the first day of the summer travel season as people gear up for their Memorial Day trips. And the number of travelers is expected to be the highest it has been in 10 years. Thankfully for them, gas prices are down in comparison to last year.

Though gas prices have been rising, drivers will still pay less at the pumps than they have in recent years. AAA Arizona spokeswoman Michelle Donati said that “Arizona drivers are paying 70 cents less per gallon” to fill up in comparison to 2014.

She added that nationwide, gas prices have increased by 5.2 cents to $2.73. But Patrick Dehaan, a senior petroleum analyst for Gasbuddy.com, said that “the glass is half full” since gas prices are still 95 cents per gallon lower than last year. He said that it is “quite a surprise” to not see prices beginning with a 4 this Memorial Day weekend.

In a recent news release, Gasbuddy.com predicted that this summer’s gas prices will be the lowest they have been in 10 years. They stated that the prices will “bring the most affordable summer months since 2005.”

AAA said that more than 37 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more over the weekend, as reported by ABC7. This is up at least 4.5 percent from last year, according to AAA. Law enforcement and AAA expect the heavy traffic volume because of the lower gas prices.

As a result of the predicted traffic increase, more officers are expected to be on the roads. Law enforcement in states such as Indiana and Illinois are reminding travelers of their “Click It or Ticket” campaigns and promoting safe driving.

Generally speaking, gas prices are inching up. And demand for gas is usually the highest in the summer months. However, AAA Mid-Atlantic stated hat prices at the pump are not expected to exceed $3 all year nationally.

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