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Flat gas, inflated traffic face Memorial Day holiday

North Carolina travelers can expect lower gas prices as nearly 900,000 of them are estimated to hit the road as Memorial Day weekend “officially” kicks off the summer.

The lower gasoline prices will attract more drivers this weekend, according to an AAA Carolinas release.

The state average going into Memorial Day weekend is $3.43 per gallon, with Wilmington having the highest gas prices at $3.45 and the lowest at $3.37 in High Point.

“We have seen gas prices pretty much flatten out over the past few weeks, so we’re not in a trend of going up or down at this point,” said Angela Vogel Daley, AAA Carolina public relations manager. “Sometimes you will see a little bit of a bump just because demand is up.”

She said smooth prices are expected throughout the weekend.

With more than 1 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles, drivers across the state should expect typical traffic congestion.

Many are predicted to go through some of the local major bypassesto the beaches.

“There’s going to be an overabundance of traffic (in Kinston),” said Woody Spencer, public relations officer with Kinston Department of Public Safety, of Memorial Day weekend. “It’s the first big beach weekend. People need to be aware of that.”

He said with the excess traffic accompanying the weekend, people should take plenty of time to prepare for road trips so they can drive carefully.

There are a number of other safety tips he suggested, including limiting distractions, such as pets and young children, keeping your eyes open for motorcyclists and parents talking with teen travelers.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found seven of the 10 deadliest days of the year occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, while this weekend begins the 100 most deadly days for teen drivers. Fatal crash rates for drivers from 16 to 19-years-old, “increases five times more when two or more teen passengers are present, compared to driving alone,” according to the AAA release.

Motorcyclists also begin to emerge during the hot season, and the state and local departments of public safety warn drivers to be on the lookout for the bikes.

“This is a big weekend,” Spencer said. “It’s going to be warm weather, it’s going to be nice out … so please be aware that motorcyclists will be out.”

In addition to being aware, the state DPS released a statement this week encouraging drivers to slow down during the holiday weekend.

“We are asking all motorists to buckle up and be extremely careful when traveling to their various destinations,” said Col. Bill Grey, State Highway Patrol Commander, in the release. “I have instructed our troopers to aggressively crack down on motorists who are speeding, driving recklessly and driving while impaired.”

Spencer added KDPS will also be vigilant, “to keep you safe.”

He said people should know traffic congestion can rarely be avoided, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Jay Smith, of Kinston, said he and his brother are driving to Georgia for the holiday.

“I’m not going to be driving (to Georgia) myself, my brother is,” said Smith, who plans to switch every so often once the pair meets. “We plan to leave out pretty early in the morning so we don’t have to worry about the congestion.”

He will first meet his brother in Wilmington before the five-hour ride to Georgia.

Daley said the busiest travel times will be this afternoon and evening, as well as Monday.

“Just be aware that there’s going to be congestion on the road,” she said. “In many cases, you can’t avoid it. You can seek and alternate route, but that may take longer as well.”

 

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.

 

AAA Carolinas Recommended Travel Tips 2013

Take a break every two hours or 150 miles

Switch drivers on long trips, preferably a passenger who’s been sitting in the backseat

Get a vehicle check up before hitting the road

Follow the rules of the road — speed limit, wear seat belts and never drink and drive

 

North Carolina Memorial Day Weekend Gasoline Prices (averages)

2013 — $3.429

2012 — $3.553


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