Cheapest gas prices means more drivers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Prices at the pump have eased just in time for the holidays. According to the American Automobile Association, the average gas price for regular unleaded Monday in the Austin-San Marcos area is $1.84, which is 71 cents lower than in October. Cheaper gas prices mean many people are choosing to drive home for the holidays.

DPS troopers are expecting a large number of travelers on the roads. They will also be out on roadways, making sure drivers are safe. Toopers will be out in force starting Wednesday through the Thanksgiving holiday. All available troopers will be patrolling area roadways. They will be looking out for speeders, seatbelt violators and drivers who are intoxicated.

"We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday," said Robbie Barrera, DPS trooper. "we want everyone to give themselves enough time to get to their destination. Wear your seatbelt. Con't speed and don't drink and drive. We have a zero tolerance policy for seatbelt violations and DWIs."

Thanksgiving 2007, DPS troopers wrote 10,426 citations for speeding and made 400 arrests for driving while intoxicated just in Texas. They also arrested 34 minors for driving under the influence of alcohol. They wrote 1,026 citations for seatbelt violations and 358 for child restraint violations.

If you would like to find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood, go to this Web site. If you would like to find the cheapest gas your Texas destination city, look at this Web site.