Memorial Day Weekend Travel Preview

Record numbers of travelers could be emboldened by record-low gas prices.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – It may feel like gas prices are lower right around now than they were for Memorial Day 2024 – and that’s because they are!

“In North Dakota the average is about $2.92. It’s been stuck there for about a week,” explained Skyler McKinley with AAA.

“This time, a year ago, it was $3.34.  Pretty significant savings.”

That drop may have spurred folks to leave their homes, as AAA says they project 45.1 million travelers this coming weekend – the highest on record.

McKinley says this trend has shown no signs of slowing down since travel re-opened post-pandemic.

Most people – 39.4 million of them – will be taking to the roads, but plenty will be flying, where the Real ID rollout hasn’t led to as many delays as some feared.

Captain Bryan Niewind of the North Dakota Highway Patrol urges those on the roads to make sure your conveyance is shipshape before embarking on your journey.

“Checking your oil, checking your transmission fluid, checking all those fluids in your car to make sure they’re good to go,” he said, giving examples.

He says out here, with many folks heading to lakes country, you’ll want to double check your campers and trailers – and give towing vehicles a wide berth.

And, while the road conditions should be nice and clear, Niewind says that’s no reason to get lax in your driving practices.

“Focus all your attention on what you need to be doing, which is driving that car,” he said. “Look for those hazards that are out there, drive defensively, and be able to react to things as they’re happening.”