Last Updated on December 20, 2016 4:49 pm
A little over three million North Carolinians will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas/New Year's holiday, according to AAA Carolinas. The record number, 3,010,305, represents an increase of 1% from last year. The 12-day Christmas/New Year's travel holiday is defined as Friday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Jan. 3.
“Although we have seen an increase in gas prices recently, Carolinians are still traveling in record numbers to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year with family and friends,” said Dave Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “With so many people hitting the roads during this time, we want to stress the importance of buckling up, eliminating drinking and driving, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel.”
Those driving to their destinations will encounter slightly higher gas prices than last year. North Carolina's current average is $2.18, while last year's average was $1.98. Prices have been rising the past two weeks following the OPEC oil production agreement on November 30.
North Carolina motorists will find the cheapest gas in the Charlotte area at $2.11 and the most expensive gas in Asheville at $2.27. For those traveling through South Carolina, the average price per gallon is $2.03.
With the excitement of holiday parties and celebrations, too many drivers are taking to the roadways after drinking. The decision to drive after even one drink can have deadly consequences. AAA advises drivers to assign a designated driver or use a car service if they are planning to consume alcohol.
As the longest holiday travel period of the year, it is also one of the deadliest. Last year, 13 people died on North Carolina roads during the year-end holiday travel period. Of those 13 fatalities, 5 were alcohol-related.
This holiday season, law enforcement will be on every North Carolina road looking for impaired drivers as part of their annual year-end Booze It & Lose It enforcement campaign. Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, try NC DOT's BeSmarterThanThat.com mobile site.
AAA offers a few simple holiday road survival tips for motorists:
- Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic
- Keep valuables in the trunk or covered storage area
- Have your roadside assistance contact information on hand in case an incident occurs on the road
- Keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times, in case of emergency.
- Obey traffic safety laws: Wear your seatbelt. Don't speed. Don't drink and drive. Eliminate distractions behind the wheel, such mobile devices. Disconnect and Drive!
