MEMPHIS, TN – Rising gas prices won't keep drivers at home this Thanksgiving holiday. AAA reports the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas has climbed to $2.64 nationwide, but 33 million people are expected to hit the road during the holiday weekend.
The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular is $2.49 in Tennessee, below the national average, but just enough to make drivers think twice.
It's a long trip from Memphis to Kalamazoo for Eric Stehouwer, and with gas prices on the increase, it's an expensive trip too.
"I have some friends who live in Nashville who are also from Michigan, so I’m hoping to drive to Nashville, meet up with them, and then drive to Michigan so we can share the gas price,” Stehouwer said.
Rising gas prices worry many drivers who will hit the road this Thanksgiving holiday.
"The little bit don't go as far as it used to, so we stay close to home,” said Susan Hutcheson, who plans to save gas by celebrating Thanksgiving at her mother’s home, about a 35-minute drive.
AAA reports gas prices are steadily rising across the country, averaging $2.64 for a gallon of regular unleaded. That's up from $2.59 a month ago, and $2.02 a year ago.
“I only just put a little bit [of gas] at a time in mine, you know,” said driver Susan Hutcheson. “It hasn't seen a full tank in a few months."
Drivers like Kesha Nelvis plan to stay close to home for the holiday.
"You have to stay home if you want to have a good holiday because the gas,” Nelvis said. “Gas, it's high."
Stehouwer said he'll keep paying that high price for now. He said he doesn't have much choice.
“I don’t know if much could keep me here!" he said. “I haven’t been home in like five months, so I need to go home!”
Mississippi and Arkansas also fall below the national average for a gallon of unleaded regular. In Mississippi, that price is $2.50. In Arkansas, it's $2.51.
