WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Whether traveling by air or by car, Floridians have something to celebrate on Labor Day: lower gas prices.
AAA said the recent drop in gas prices can be attributed to weaker oil prices, softer demand for gasoline and fewer major refinery outages than last summer.
The Labor Day holiday is wrapping up, with many people hitting the roads to head back home.
Nationwide, gas prices are down 15 cents from a month ago and down 49 cents from a year ago.
The number of drivers on the road is up 9% compared to last year, according to AAA.
Even with a record number of travelers, Bobbie White, a driver on Interstate 95 in Martin County, said the roads were clear.
“[There were] no problems, no accidents, so far,” he said.
With rain hitting the area, some drivers, like Miguel Martinez, said he had to prepare by strapping down and covering his luggage on his truck with a tarp.
“It's supposed to rain up Daytona,” said Martinez. “Just trying to be self-conscious.”
Drivers may be getting rain on their rides today, but they’re also getting cheaper gas prices. A nice surprise for Henry Cabacame, who is driving from New York to Miami.
“It was a big relief,” said Cabacame.
A relief being felt statewide, as average gas prices in the Sunshine State sits at around $3.33 per gallon, down 49 cents from a year ago.
In Port St. Lucie, it’s around $3.31per gallon, down 38 cents since last year.
However, West Palm Beach has the most expensive gas in Florida this Labor Day Weekend, with average prices at $3.46, still lower by 40 cents from a year ago.
The cheapest gas in the state is in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area at $2.95 a gallon, 53 cents down from last year.
These cheaper prices make Martinez want to hit the road more often.
“[It] helps out the pockets, it makes you want to travel more,” said Martinez.