AAA is expecting 55.4 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles this thanksgiving weekend. That is a 2.3% increase from 2022.
While it is expected to be busy on the roadways this year, Alabama drivers should also see some savings.
AAA Alabama reports gas prices are starting to drop.
The state average for gas is currently $2.88.
That is $.20 less than a month ago and $.35 less than it was in November of last year.
AAA spokesperson Clay Ingram says this decrease can save a driver a substantial amount of money if they continue to practice gas saving recommendations.
Drivers are encouraged to lighten the load in their car before taking a long trip. Drivers should also make sure their tires are properly inflated.
Drivers should also consider getting a pre travel maintenance check on their cars before hitting the road to avoid unexpected auto repair costs during a trip.
“Wiper blades are very important, the health of your battery is very important, but the thing that often gets overlooked are your belts and your hoses because those tend to deteriorate from the inside out and they may look brand new on the outside but could be about to go and those things can put you on the side of the road very quickly,” said Ingram.
SEE ALSO: Volunteers prepare for CommUnity Thanksgiving of Etowah County
SEE ALSO: Customers wait months for adjustable beds to be delivered; BBB gives company an ‘F’ rating
Ingram says the largest gas saving suggestion is to become a more conservative driver.
“The hard stops and the fast starts and the speeding and the weaving in out of traffic uses a lot more gas then people realize,” said Ingram, “Your optimal miles per gallon for most vehicles is right at 50 miles per hour and the faster you go above that. The worst your gas mileage the worst it gets.”
Data shows a driver can save as much as 33% of fuel costs by going from a very aggressive driver to a very conservative driver.
Ingram encourages drivers to pad their travel schedule to avoid that feeling of being rushed.
Wednesday and Sunday are the days expected to see the most traffic.