High gas prices may mean shorter road trips, but Fourth of July can still break records

News-Leader Staff
·2 min read

Missourians may be cutting their road trips this summer to nearly half, but travel on Fourth of July weekend may still break records.

With the statewide gas price average in Missouri at $4.64 per gallon, drivers in Jefferson City are paying the most at $4.86 with Joplin drivers paying the least at $4.44, according to AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch.

"Despite unusually high gas prices, AAA predicts a record 42 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more to celebrate the upcoming holiday, with 47.9 million traveling in total," according to AAA.

Drivers in Missouri are paying the 12th lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com; however, drivers in California are the paying the most at $6.36 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.

Missourians surveyed by FamilyDestinationsGuide.com shared that their usual summer road trips will be cut by 44% because of high gas prices and rising inflation. Usually each average road trip is 568 miles, however, this summer the average is expected to be 320 miles.

Car rentals are also seeing a price hike at about 40% more expensive than the overage over the past decade.

AAA offers tips to save money on fuel

  • Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.

  • Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.

  • Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.

  • Minimize your use of air conditioning.

  • Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.

  • Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.

  • Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.

  • When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.

  • When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.

  • Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: High gas prices slash summer roadtrips to nearly half for Missourians