If you’re planning to hit the road this weekend, you almost certainly won’t be alone.
More than 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, but they’ll be facing record-high prices at the pump.
The national average has never topped $4 on Labor Day weekend. Clearly, this year in Illinois, the price is much higher.
Clocking out of work on a Friday, one Chicagoan had his mind fixed on his holiday weekend getaway.
“Pure Michigan,” Dwayne Richmond said.
But first, he had to get home from Lincoln Park, and that came at a huge cost.
“This is ridiculous,” he said. “Ridiculous.”
The sign behind him read $5.49 a gallon.
“I just need enough to get to where I know [it] is $4,” he said.
Across the country, gas has never been this expensive this time of year, according to AAA. On Friday, the national average for a regular gallon of gas was $4.15.
That’s roughly a whole dollar more than what it was last Labor Day.
“Today was a triple whammy: rush hour, the most expensive stop and before a holiday weekend,” said Victoria, another driver.
Victoria paid more than $70 in total, because, when it comes to gas, she said there isn’t really a choice.
“Life’s been crazy for a lot of us, a lot of reasons,” she stated. “Family stuff, Work stuff. So I’m looking forward to taking an extra day to relax.”
It’s a much-needed break from reality – at least until you need to fill up again.
“I’m doing enough just to get to the South Side,” said Dwayne, another driver.