Lower gas prices means more people on the road this Thanksgiving holiday weekend

This Thanksgiving holiday, more Americans will get the chance to give thanks for the opportunity to travel to family and friends.

That’s because lower gas prices, means more people are able to afford filling up at the pump this year.

That also means a lot more people on the road with 46 million Americans expected to drive this holiday. In southern California alone, 3.5 million people are expected to hit the road.

The last time drivers saw a gallon of unleaded below $3 during this time of year was back in 2009.

“It’s fantastic because the prices on everything else has gone up, so this is a great help for our family,” said Mary Yeakel, who will be among the travelers on the road this holiday weekend.

The number of people traveling at least 50 miles between today and Sunday is expected to be the highest since 2007. The Stewart family traveling from Long Beach to Borrego Springs, stopped at this gas station on Cook Street in Palm Desert to fill up, only to be greeted with even more good news.

“It’s less expensive here than it was at home, about 10 cents a gallon less,” said Michelle Stewart.

The family says they used to shell out $200 every time to fill up their winnebago, now it takes them $150.

“Oh, there’s a lot I can do with $50, especially this time of year with christmas shopping,” Stewart said.

Just in the last 2 months, drivers saw gas prices dramatically drop with the national average at $2.85 for a gallon of unleaded. That’s 43 cents lower than a year ago.

“I think its great incentive to go see your family if they live out of town,” said valley driver, Marc Glassman.

For Yeakel, she’s only hoping these numbers will that way.

“I hope they come down and stay down, that’s what I really hope, it’s great.

Of course as more people hit the road, the California Highway Patrol is asking everyone to be safe out there. Also if you drink don’t drive. Make sure you and your loved ones have a safe way to get home.