CHARLESTON, W.Va. — You will most likely find West Virginia motorists at the gas pumps this holiday weekend, taking advantage of the fact that prices are almost $1 less compared to last year.
“Charleston gas prices, currently, are at $2.80 for regular. A year ago we were at $3.78 a gallon,” said Crissy Gray, supervisor for the AAA Roadside Rescue Team in Charleston.
The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, so many West Virginians have Friday off to begin their commute during one of the biggest travel times of the year, so far.
Throughout the United States, nearly 35.5 million motorists will be hitting the road this weekend, which is up from last year, Gray said.
With most travelers planning a holiday drive, the Roadside Rescue Team is urging motorists to make sure their vehicles are ready for the road.
“Tire pressure, battery, your oil light and especially your wind shield wipers: I think that the biggest thing that we’re urging drivers is to make sure that these things are properly checked before hitting the road,” said Gray.
In 2014, the team aided more than 5,000 West Virginia drivers during summer travel season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Gray said many of the calls were related to dead batteries and flat tires. Technicians also helped nearly 800 people who were locked out of their vehicles.
The rescue team is informing drivers that if you have a blowout, don’t slam on the brakes. Keep a firm grip on the wheel, slow down and pull over at the first safe opportunity. To prevent this from happening, they say to inspect your tires at least once a month for tread depth, proper inflation and damage from road debris.
According to a news release, more than 41 million Americans plan to take a Fourth of July trip this year, up 0.7 percent over last year. Air travel is also up 1.5 percent this year with more than 3 million people flying to their holiday destination.