AAA offers resources and need-to-know information for a smooth holiday trip.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Nov. 25, 2024 — About 9 in 10 of those traveling for Thanksgiving will be driving to their destination, according to AAA’s 2024 Thanksgiving travel forecast. That translates to 71.7 million road-trippers nationwide, and more than 640,000 Oklahomans hitting the road for the holiday.

The extra congestion on the highways, especially at certain peak travel times, could lead to additional stress and dangers. But AAA offers the following information and resources to make the trip smoother and safer.
Best and Worst Times to Drive
According to AAA forecast partner INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, the worst times to travel over Thanksgiving are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, and for travelers returning home, Sunday afternoon and most of the day on Monday will be particularly crowded on the highways. The roads should be least congested on Thanksgiving Day.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are lower this Thanksgiving compared to 2023. The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gas last Thanksgiving was $3.26. Headed in to the holiday week, the national average on Nov. 25, 2024 was $3.05, down 9 cents in the past month.
Oklahoma’s average gas price is currently $2.51, 29 cents lower than one year ago and the lowest in the nation.
The south central and southeastern U.S. states are the center of the lowest gas prices in America.
Lowest Average Gas Prices in America (as of 11/25/24)
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Rank
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State
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Price per Gallon
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1
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Oklahoma
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$2.514
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2
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Mississippi
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$2.628
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3
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Texas
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$2.644
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4
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Arkansas
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$2.653
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5
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Kansas
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$2.706
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6
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Louisiana
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$2.711
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7
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Tennessee
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$2.712
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8
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Missouri
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$2.717
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9
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Nebraska
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$2.726
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10
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Iowa
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$2.745
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Source: www.GasPrices.AAA.com
Although gas prices are low this Thanksgiving, AAA suggests drivers shop around during their trips by loading the free AAA mobile app to their smart phones. The app displays the nearest gas stations based on location with their current gas prices, allowing drivers to find the lowest in the area and save money at the pumps.
AAA members can save at least five cents per gallon by joining Shell Fuel Rewards® program for free. Visit https://cluballiance.aaa.com/discounts/shell to enroll and begin saving.
Vehicle maintenance can also make your vehicle more fuel efficient. An engine tune-up, clean air filters and properly inflated tires and help you save money on gas during your journey. Sticking to the speed limit and avoiding jackrabbit starts helps use less fuel as well.
Is Your Vehicle Ready for the Road?
AAA Oklahoma emergency roadside service crews responded to about 5,400 calls for motorist assistance during the Thanksgiving 2023 travel period.
This serves as a reminder for drivers to have their vehicles checked and serviced for not only Thanksgiving road trips but also for the harsh winter weather to come. Key vehicle systems and parts to check include:
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Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. Be aware that batteries typically last 3-5 years, so if yours is approaching or within that age range, it may not have the power for cold-weather starts. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops can also test and replace weak batteries.
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Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tires can lose a pound of pressure. Don’t forget the spare tire.
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Engine: Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking.
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Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals.
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Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
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Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly.
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Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.
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Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.
Emergency Kit to Stay Safe and Warm
According to AAA, now is a perfect time to begin assembling a winter weather emergency kit to carry in your vehicle. This kit is especially important if you’ll be driving any distance and winter weather is forecast. The kit should include:
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Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger
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Drinking water
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Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
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Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
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Blankets
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Extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves)
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Flashlight with extra batteries
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Window washer solvent
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Warning devices (flares or reflective triangles)
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Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
Weather, Roads and Roadside Assistance
Before and during a Thanksgiving road trip, AAA encourages drivers to check and be aware of weather and road conditions, plan for any detours due to road construction, and have a plan of how and who to call for roadside assistance should a crash or vehicle breakdown occur.
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Drive Oklahoma app – This mobile app from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation provides the latest details on traffic and road conditions across the state.
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Weather app – load a national or local weather app, especially one with a good live weather radar feature, to your smart phone to keep up-to-date on weather conditions to help avoid driving into bad weather.
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AAA mobile app – Available for free on Google Play and the Apple App store, this app allows motorists to find the cheapest gas price near their location, request AAA emergency roadside assistance, tap in to discounts and rewards, book travel and more. AAA members should also program the toll free number for AAA roadside assistance into their phones and have their membership number handy.
About AAA:
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.