Holiday drivers get gift of lower gas prices

The lowest gas prices since January will greet the 449,000 Idahoans expected to be traveling by vehicle 50 miles or more from home between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1.

AAA expects 94.5 million Americans will take to the byways in the U.S., with 85.8 million doing so by motor vehicle. Getting to their destinations safely with wallets intact may require a little help, including following some good last-minute advice, the travel organization says.

"Lower gas prices will help travelers on a budget," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. "The Grinch has given Idahoans a reprieve from among the nation's highest prices earlier this year."

Based on AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report (www.fuelgaugereport.AAA.com) Idaho's average price today is $3.10, down from $3.73 three months ago and 15 cents less than the national average price of $3.25. The average price today is three cents less than it was a year ago.

The U.S. average price of $3.25 compares to $3.47 three months ago and matches today's price from a year ago.