Gas prices could hurt Memorial Day plans

Alicia Rimel
Published: May 22, 2008

Soaring gas prices and a tight economy will translate to fewer cars on the road over the holiday weekend, travel experts said Thursday.
AAA Mid-Atlantic projects a 3-percent decline from last year in travel during the upcoming holiday weekend.
“The significant thing about this 3-percent drop this year is that it is the first time in a long time we’ve seen a decrease,” said Windy VanCuren, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
AAA expects that approximately 824,000 Virginians will travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend. Just 694,000 – or 84 percent of the state’s holiday travelers – are expected to travel by automobile, a 1.3-percent decline from 2007.
Average gas prices in the commonwealth hovered Thursday at $3.75 for a gallon of regular unleaded, compared to $3.44 a gallon last month. The price at this time last year was $3.06.
“It is hard to say how much [gas prices are] going to go up by Memorial Day,” VanCuren said. “The bad news is that crude oil is going to go up, which is not good news for any motorist.”
At $3.75 per gallon, a vehicle with a 16-gallon-capacity would require $60 just to fill up.
Virginia ranks as the 16th cheapest state in which to purchase gas. The most expensive is Alaska at $4.13 per gallon. Arizona motorists pay the least — $3.65 per gallon.
There are ways to cut travel costs: for families who have more than one vehicle, choose the more fuel efficient option. Give your car or truck a once over, checking tire pressure, oil and fluid levels, belts and hoses.
“Properly maintained vehicles are better with gas mileage,” said VanCuren.
Pack lightly – more weight equals more mileage – and watch your speed. The faster you travel, the more gasoline you burn.
“For those that are going to be driving, first and foremost – even though there is a 3 percent projected decrease – you are going to have a lot of company out there,” said VanCuren. “Allow plenty of time to get to and from your destination and have patience.”
Despite projections, the Virginia Department of Tourism has high hopes for the weekend.
“What we have heard from our national sources is that people are planning to travel, they just intend to stay closer to home,” agency spokeswoman Tamara Talmadge-Anderson said. “For Virginia, we are well positioned because we are within a two- to eight-hour drive to major markets like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Atlanta.”
The state tourism office also recognizes the added stress of gasoline costs and general economic downturn.
“Our industry is obviously aware that consumers are concerned with gas,” said Talmadge-Anderson. “So we are coming up with promotions and incentives to combat high gas prices.”
By visiting http://www.virginia.org/parkthecar, holiday travelers can find information on discounted hotel rooms, a $25 gas card with a two-night stay, and more.
Also part of the initiative, Talmadge-Anderson encourages Virginians to plan vacations that require little to no driving once people arrive at their destinations. Park the Car getaways promote Virginia’s historic downtowns, Main Street communities, state parks and beaches.
“All the places in Virginia where you can spend two to three days and never reach for your car keys,” Talmadge-Anderson said.
The Department of Motor Vehicles asks drivers to keep their eyes on safety during the upcoming holiday weekend.
According to DMV statistics, 1,398 crashes were reported throughout the state during the four-day Memorial Day weekend last year. Sixteen fatalities were logged in 2007, compared to 11 in 2006.
Augusta County was the site of 13 crashes last Memorial Day weekend – three occurred in Waynesboro. No fatalities were reported.
The DMV is the one-stop source for up-to-date information on lane closures and real time traffic information statewide.
No temporary lane closures will be permitted during the holiday weekend, though barriers will remain in place in long-term construction zones, VDOT spokeswoman Shannon Marshall said.
Along Interstate 81 in Frederick County, exits 307 and 315 are open but under construction.