FORT WORTH, Texas — The folks at AAA are forecasting that, in Texas alone, people will share the roads and highways with about 9 million drivers. Christmas day itself will be the least busy travel day, but it’s expected to still be busy on the roads.
People at the pump in the past week probably noticed prices are creeping up from what appears to be a season-low for unleaded gasoline.
AAA says the average price for unleaded in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is about $2.76 per gallon, which is close to the statewide average.
The 9 million Texans who will drive for the holidays will travel 50 miles or more. That’s a 2 percent increase from last year and the highest since the pandemic ended.
AAA reminds drivers to prepare for the unexpected, not be distracted behind the wheel, and be prepared to share the road, not just with other holiday travelers but also with local drivers like Rachel Jones, who says she’s watching gas prices closely.
"Some of the area I believe they were are $2.30 and now we are kind of spiking back up," said Jones, "So, I don't know about others, I'm so sorry for you guys, but right now, I think that we are doing okay."
AAA Texas expects the holiday season to be non-stop, helping drivers who break down on the road or have an emergency while driving.
"We are going to rescue 46 thousand people at the roadside, just in Texas, over the next ten days. The top reasons will be dead batteries, flat tires and engine problems," said Daniel Armbruster.
The increase of drivers also increases the chances of road rage and delayed travel. AAA stresses that safety is most important because we have not had a deathless day on Texas roads in 23 years. Therefore, every driver needs to do their part to make sure others stay safe this holiday travel season.
