Gas Prices Drop for Thanksgiving Travelers

Average price in D.C. region now $1.97

Gas prices continue to drop in the Washington region and around the country just in time for Thanksgiving travelers.

The national average for a gallon of gas dipped below $2 Friday ($1.93) for the first time since March 2005. Missouri's average is a low $1.69 a gallon, while the Washington region's average price is $1.97.  Prices have fallen nearly 50 percent since peaking in mid-July at $4.11 a gallon, according to AAA.

"Lower gas prices will mean more money in people's pocketbooks just in time for the holidays," said John Townsend of AAA Mid-Atlantic. "AAA expects that Thanksgiving week will bring a usual flurry of travel, despite our projection that fewer people will journey far for Thanksgiving this year.  Motorists will enjoy low gas prices -- it doesn’t necessarily mean they will drive more because of them."

AAA said most driving will take place on the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. The agency suggests avoiding peak travel times, like Wednesday afternoon, when people leave the office early just as long-distance travelers are hitting the road or catching planes and trains.

Check our traffic section before heading out on the highway or going to the airport this holiday season:  Click here.

And find cheap gas anywhere in the country by using our interactive gas price map:  Click here.

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