Drivers hit the road for Memorial Day despite higher gas prices, temperatures

SCHAPER: DeHaan says the price at the pump is about 60 cents a gallon higher than at this time a year ago. Over the past month, the average price per gallon of gas in MI has shot up 32 cents, more than any other state. That's pretty high considering that the average national gas price for all of 2017 was just $2.37 per gallon.

Drivers in Ventura County are spending about $3.74 a gallon for gas, up two cents since last week.

Trends are also indicating that this summer is likely to bring the national average to at least $3 per gallon, according to American Automobile Association spokesperson Jeanette Casselano.

That's not keeping travelers from wanting to hit the road anyway.

If you're planning to hit the road this holiday weekend you are not alone.

McTeague said he can not recall that high a percentage of people surveyed saying they are not vacationing.

To find the cheapest price at the pump, AAA says avoid gas stations right off the highway.

In the United States, consumers typically don't turn away from fossil fuel-powered cars until the price of gasoline approaches $4 a gallon.

Prices around The Valley range anywhere from around $2.70 to 2.90 per gallon.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the recent increase are oil prices that have hit a 41-month high after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries extended production cuts and the strong global economy stoked demand.

Whether you are a bread New Yorker or you are just visiting the city for the holiday, you have to make sure to include in your list of "things to do" visiting all the different retail stores in the city which are offering some of the most incredible Memorial Day Sales ever. "So if you choose to ignore Florida's seat belt law, you can expect to receive a ticket as a costly reminder if you are stopped by an officer", Chenault said.

"People don't stop traveling because of gas prices", said Jennifer Cook, the Bellevue-based spokeswoman for AAA Washington. And 25 percent fewer people plan to take trips longer than one week this summer compared to previous year, while weekend trips are up 17 percent.

The Auto Club says the worst traffic of the entire weekend is expected on Friday, May 25, between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Automobile travel is expected to increase for the fourth straight year, up by almost 5 percent over last Memorial Day.