As Labor Day approaches, millions are expected to travel by air and car. However, rising gas prices are causing some people to reconsider their travel plans.
According to AAA, the national average price for gas now exceeds $4.14 per gallon, up from $3.20 at this time last year.
Paducah resident Dallyn Turner said high gas prices are affecting not only his Labor Day travel plans, but also many other areas of his life.
“I mean, it’s been hectic,” Turner said. “Gas prices are so high. It affects stuff further along the line, like price of living, all that stuff. It’s just been a real pain, as blunt as I can put it.”
Turner said he will stay in Paducah for Labor Day weekend and spend time with his family rather than take an expensive trip.
“It’s affecting everyday life. I mean, it’s just high, so I wouldn’t limit it to just a Labor Day,” Turner added.
The prices aren’t stopping everybody, though. Paducah Five Star employee Chance Oliver reports that, if anything, customers have increased significantly over the past few days.
“We’re usually busy, but that’s only on first shift,” Oliver said. “Our parking lot’s constantly packed, but we have definitely seen an increase on second shift here.”
Oliver also stressed the importance of road safety for holiday travelers.
“Stop and ask for directions a lot, especially if you think you’re lost,” Oliver said. “Especially if you don’t think you know where you’re going, because I know that Google Maps can mess up a lot. Even the best maps can mess up.”
