MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Despite high gas prices, AAA estimates nearly 48 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over the Fourth of July weekend with a record number of people traveling by car.
According to spokesperson Lynda Lambert, 42 million people will be on the road over the holiday.
The travel comes as AAA reports the average price of regular gas in West Virginia is $4.82. Gas prices have decreased by around seven cents in the last week.
“We are still nationally and in the state of West Virginia about $1.80 a gallon more than we were last year,” Lambert explained.
Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer said drivers should plan for traffic congestion. He also advised drivers to not driver distracted, observe the speed limit and wear their seatbelts.
“There’s going to be a lot of extra people on the roadway traveling to and from different locations,” he said. “There are going to be people coming through the area that aren’t familiar with our roads, so be courteous.”
The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department will have patrols throughout the county during the holiday weekend to monitor roads and ensure drivers are safe.