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More North Carolinians are expected to travel this Thanksgiving weekend despite a rise in gas prices compared to a year ago, AAA Carolinas said today.

The group is predicting that 1,167,000 people will travel more than 50 miles from home, an increase of 2.3 percent from last year. Although automobile travel will increase by 29,000 motorists, air travel will decline by 5,000 fliers, and other travel (bus, train, etc.) will increase by 3,000, AAA said.

After increasing in previous weeks, the average price of gasoline statewide has begun declining recently, and the average price today is $2.593. The average price in Greensboro is $2.576, up 61 cents from Thanksgiving weekend 2008.

The highest average price is in Asheville at $2.635 per gallon of unleaded self-service; the lowest average price is in Winston-Salem at $2.549.

Other predictions from AAA:

• North Carolinians will average 1,077 miles on their trips and spend an average of $796 for items such as fuel, accommodations, food and beverages, shopping and entertainment.
• Ninety-one percent of travelers will travel with one or more family members, with 60 percent visiting family or friends over the holidays.

With heavy traffic expected on the roads this weekend, families should take extra measures to ensure safety on the highway. AAA Carolinas recommends:

• Drivers take a break every two hours or 150 miles. Get out and stretch to re-energize your brain as well as pump blood to your muscles.
• On long trips, switch drivers regularly, preferably with someone who has been sitting in the back seat. Passengers sitting in the front seat with the driver are paying attention to the road as well and can experience just as much fatigue as the driver.
• Add about 15 minutes to every hour the trip typically takes to drive cautiously with the increased traffic
• Get a vehicle checkup before leaving. Be sure to check fluids and your tires, especially the spare tire.
• Follow the rules of the road: ­Obey the speed limit, wear seat belts, and never drink and drive.