NEWS RELEASES
American Families Planning Road Trips Despite High Gas Prices
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through GasBuddy's website.
GasBuddy reports that some 75% of Americans will hit the road this summer, up from 59% in 2018, despite seasonal gas prices rising more than any year since 2011. Average gasoline prices have increased by 60 cents per gallon since New Year’s Day, however GasBuddy predicts that on the upcoming holiday weekend the national average will $2.83 per gallon, 14 cents lower than on Memorial Day last year. GasBuddy’s annual survey revealed that travelers will increase 16% from last year, with 40% driving more than 500 miles. Trips will be longer this year as well, with an increase of 7% of respondents saying they will take trips that last more than a week this summer. Travelers cite overpaying for gasoline as their top road trip fear, followed by breaking down and not being able to find a clean bathroom.
“For many Americans, this spring has pinched pocketbooks at a dizzying rate, but that still won’t hold back many from hitting the road for the 90 days or so of prime summer weather. While the rise in prices has been steep this spring, perhaps the most important factor is that in many places, gas prices are still well below their all-time highs and perhaps even more importantly, over 50% of the nation’s gas stations are selling at $2.99 per gallon or less, and that’s a key ingredient in the recipe for many Americans to hit the road again this summer,” Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a press release.
For more information, visit the GasBuddy survey results page.