SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Gas prices will be at their lowest levels in most areas of Southern California since 2005 this weekend, and Fourth of July travelers are likely to take advantage of that.
In San Diego, the average price for regular gas as of June 30 was at $2.89/gallon, compared to $2.93/gallon a week prior. The region is more or less on par with other areas, compared to $2.92 in Long Beach-Los Angeles, $2.87/gallon in Riverside-San Bernardino, and $2.89/gallon in Orange County.
The national average is currently at $ 2.23/gallon.
The average price in California has dropped 15.9 cents over the past month, according to data from the American Automobile Association.
RELATED: Find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood
For those getting ready to hit the road this weekend, AAA offers a handy gas calculator on their website here. For example, the average amount spent on fuel for a trip from San Diego to Los Angeles will be around $13.44 each way, according to the calculator.
"When gas prices are falling, travelers should keep in mind that they may be more likely to overpay for gasoline," AAA spokesman Jeffrey Spring said.
TRAFFIC
Traffic will be a concern, as AAA predicts a record 3.1 million motorists to be on the road for the Independence Day weekend in Southern California. About 5 million are expected statewide and 44.2 million nationally.
Because of this, local authorities are advising travelers to take it slow, be patient and kind with other drivers, and drive responsibly.
RELATED: 10News interactive traffic map
"This increase in traffic congestion, in combination with higher temperatures and lack of patience, often plays a significant role in incidents of “road rage” and traffic collisions. Additionally, the summer season typically brings a surge in the number of impaired drivers on the roadways," California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Parent said in a release.
CHP said strongly encouraged designating a driver if you're drinking, as they continue to see "an alarming number" of DUI -related collisions and fatalities over the holiday weekends.
TRANSIT
San Diego's Metropolitan Transit Service will be ramping up service this weekend in anticipation of local events and increased travel.
On Saturday and Sunday MTS is running a "family weekends" promotion, in which up to two children (age 12 and under) ride free with a fare-paying adult (age 18 or older) on all MTS routes.
Fourth of July service on most MTS bus routes and Trolley service will run on a Sunday schedule for the Fourth of July, as well.
MTS also advises the following advises using the following routes for service downtown and to the beach:
- Free Summer Shuttle (Route 904): Coronado Ferry Landing – Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado City Hall - Runs every 15 minutes all day starting at 9 a.m. Trips scheduled to meet all ferry trips from downtown San Diego seven days a week
- Route 8: Old Town – Mission Bay – Mission Beach – Pacific Beach - Runs every 15 minutes most of the day.
- Route 30: Old Town – Pacific Beach – La Jolla – UTC - Runs every 15 minutes most of the day between Old Town & Pacific Beach. Runs every 30 minutes most of the day between Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and UTC.
- Rapid 215: SDSU – City Heights – North Park –Hillcrest – Downtown - Runs every 15 minutes most of the day.
- Rapid 235: Escondido – Rancho Bernardo – Miramar College – City Heights – Downtown - Runs every 30 minutes all day.
- Route 901: Downtown – Coronado – Imperial Beach - Runs every 30 minutes most of the day on Saturday, 60 minutes all day on Sunday and Tuesday.
WHERE IS EVERYONE GOING?
"Where are all these people even going?" or a similarly phrased question will likely strike travelers on the road.
AAA predicts Anaheim, Calif., to be one of the most popular destinations this holiday weekend - and there's a chance that traffic could impact San Diego County, if even residually.
Around San Diego, there are a number of events happening this weekend and into the July 4 holiday. If you need a primer of this weekend's happenings or the county's many fireworks displays, check them out below:
