Holiday travel tips and latest Wisconsin gas prices

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Higher waves of travel can mean more traffic from different factors.

Things like Daylight Saving or having car trouble are just some to look out for.

It’s recommended to always have your car checked for correct tire pressure, wiper fluid and a full tank of gas. Even including a trunk full of essentials like a blanket, extra hats or gloves, even a shovel in case of an emergency.

“Well, winter weather is coming. Which means winter driving.” Ryan Roth said.

Ryan Roth is a State Trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol.

He says there are things to prepare for this holiday season on the road, with a high crash rate in Wisconsin.

“Winter weather conditions is a major contributing factor in thousands of crashes in our state every year, many of which result in a fatality. Hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries.” Trooper Roth said.

AAA says they project nearly 80 million people to travel over Thanksgiving.

If you’re among those 80 million people, check outside before you leave.

“Know your route of travel, use 5-1-1 to look at your road conditions and your weather conditions.” Trooper Roth said.

Once you’re prepped and ready to go, it’s most important to have more than enough of good old gas.

Agreeing with that, Trooper Roth said, “And have gas, it’s good for your car to keep it over half a tank, and that way if you do run into the ditch you can clear the snow out from your exhaust and then keep your car running to charge your cell phone or stay warm.”

Gas Buddy statistics as of yesterday show it’s a great time to travel by car, taking advantage of lower gas prices in Wisconsin.

With the cheapest gas station in Wisconsin priced at $2.54/gallon yesterday, and the most expensive being $3.35/gallon.

In addition, gas prices in Wisconsin are $0.14/gallon lower than last month, and stand $0.191/gallon lower than last year.

Trooper Roth adds several basics to be mindful of, like wearing your seatbelt, keeping an appropriate distance from vehicles with snow or rain and of course, drive sober.

Trooper Roth said, “I want everybody to be home this holiday season visiting their families at home. Not visiting somebody at the hospital.”

Also, if you’re looking to beat the crowds when traveling for the holiday, a provider of transportation data and insights suggests that the worst travel times by car over Thanksgiving are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

The best time to hit the road is Thanksgiving Day when interstates and highways are typically clear and travelers won’t clash with commuters.

Copyright 2024 WEAU. All rights reserved.