MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If you are preparing to hit the road during Memorial Day Weekend, you will not be alone.
The time frame is already shaping up to be some of the busiest travel days ever, with a record 38.4 million people expected to travel by car according to AAA. The average traveler is expected to travel around 50 miles for a round trip, meaning what you pay for gas can really add up.
The national average cost for a gallon of gas is $3.61, in Tennessee it drops to $3.21, Arkansas with $3.10 and Mississippi with an average of $3.06. While these prices are cheaper than they were a week ago, Nerdwallet estimates the extra drivers will increase gas demand and prices this summer.
“It's gonna be a very similar summer to what we saw last year gas prices, most of the time in the mid $3-per-gallon range, some days the low threes, some days the upper threes,” said Patrick De Haan with Gas Buddy.
To save the most money, AAA recommends watching your speed first. Most cars see their best fuel efficiency at 50 mph, so operating 5-10 mph slower than you usually would can help save you money. It is also recommended to use cruise control, and cut down on excessive idling, so if it is safe to do so, turn off your engine if you have been waiting more than a minute.
Finally avoid traveling during rush hour. However, this can change depending on what day you are traveling. If you are leaving May 23 or May 24, avoid traveling between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. During the return trip on May 26-27, avoid driving between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
