Community Corner
What Impact Do Dropping Gas Prices Have On Your Summer Plans?
Almost 5 million Californians are expected to go out of town to celebrate Independence Day.
It appears that gas is getting cheaper by the gallon, just in time for summer.
With this in mind, South San Francisco Patch wants to know if your travel plans will be heating up?
Find out what's happening in South San Franciscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you are like most residents in California, the decreased gas cost has encouraged you to hop in the car and hit the road.
According to the California State Automobile Association, an estimated 4.8 million Californians will travel out of town for the Independence Day holiday. That's a five percent increase over last year and the most Fourth of July travelers in the state since 2003.
Find out what's happening in South San Franciscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Of those, 3.8 million will drive — a four percent increase over last year. Another 570,000 will fly — a 10 percent increase, and more than 470,000 will use other modes of transportation such as boats, buses or trains. That's another 10 percent hike.
“As summer begins, so does the appetite for travel,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “The determination to travel, while economizing, has been the common trend over the past several years. Lower gas prices are also spurring more people to travel.”
According to AAA's gas price survey, the average cost for a gallon of unleaded regular in California is now $3.81. A week ago, it was $3.96. Just a month ago it stood at $4.28.
In the Sacramento region, the average price is $3.74 a gallon. Last week, it was $3.89 and a month ago it was $4.21.
Some analysts say gas prices may start to rise again around July 4.
If prices continue to fall, do you expect to do more traveling this summer? Let us know in the comments section below.
