Drivers hit the roads for Memorial Day travel even as gas prices soar

This Memorial Day weekend, 90% of travelers are expected to travel by car, according to AAA.

The number of people expected to travel is close to pre-pandemic numbers even as gas prices are likely to set a new high. AAA predicts a 7.2% increase over 2021, bringing travel numbers close to those seen in 2019, before the pandemic.

On Thursday, the average price of gas was $4.36 per gallon in the state.

Thursday and Friday are the busiest travel day for drivers, when "drivers in major U.S. metros could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip," according to AAA. If you're driving to your destination Thursday, the best time to leave will be before 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m. The worst time to hit the road is between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Other travel time suggestions from AAA:

• Friday: Worst 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., best before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Saturday: Worst 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., best before 10 a.m.
• Sunday: Worst between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., best before 10 a.m.
• Monday: Worst between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., best before 11 a.m.

There will be an increased State Highway Patrol presence on roadways, and the agency will participate in the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s Click It or Ticket campaign between May 23 and June 5. As law enforcement officers watch for speeders, reckless drivers and other violators, their goal is to prevent deadly crashes.

Save gas this weekend

Find the least expensive gas in your area. If you see a station with a decent price, go ahead and fill up.

Check your tire pressure before a long car trip and avoid idling for more than a minute. AAA recommends drivers turn off their cars if they will be stopped for more than 60 seconds and if it is safe to do so, which could include waiting at a stoplight, in a carpool line or at a drive-thru. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that turn off after a minute.

For every 15 minutes of idling, you can burn a quarter gallon of gas, AAA said, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. If you're sitting in the carpool for 30 minutes, that's a half a gallon. Instead of waiting at a drive-thru, park and go inside the restaurant to order, experts recommend.