A record number of nearly 3 million North Carolina residents will hit the road for the year-end holiday season, according to AAA Carolinas.

The recent Thanksgiving break also resulted in big travel numbers, and for the same reason: Low gas prices. And now, they’re even lower.

The 2,939,500 estimated drivers that will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas/New Year’s holiday represent an increase of 113,000 compared to last year.

And 91 percent of total travelers plan to drive to their destination.

“Right now, we are paying 81 cents less than we were a year ago,” said Tiffany Wright, public relations manager for AAA Carolinas. “And I think that’s impressive. I don’t think people are focusing on that enough. And if you look at the drop, you’re talking about nearly 35 cents it’s dropped in a month; and about anywhere from 10-to-15 cents it has in a week. So, we’re really in a freefall, and I think that’s what folks need to focus on.”

The global supply has gone way up, thanks to record U.S. oil production, which has brought gas prices down to less than $60 per barrel.

Here in North Carolina, the average price is $2.48 per gallon for the Christmas holiday, compared to $2.77 per gallon over Thanksgiving.

Last Christmas, the average price was $3.23 per gallon, according to AAA figures.

With more travel, unfortunately, there are more accidents, and fatalities. Forty-two people died on North Carolina roads around this time last year. That’s five more than in 2012.

Wright has what she calls some “common-sense” advice for people driving far to spend time with loved ones.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of buckling up; avoiding drinking and driving, and of course, speeding,” said Wright.

She also advises drivers to add 15 minutes of extra time per hour when planning a holiday road trip, especially if the plan includes driving between the peak period of 3-to-5 p.m.

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