COLUMBIA COUNTY -- There is good news if you are planning to travel for the Fourth of July, or if you drive at all.
Gas prices for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend will be the lowest in 11 years and the savings from lower pump prices this year have been huge.
A record number of Fourth of July travelers are expected to be on the roads over the next week, including Interstate 80 near Bloomsburg, and AAA says one big reason is low gas prices.
We met Daphne Smith and her family at a rest area in Columbia County, on their way to exploring family roots in western Pennsylvania.
"I think it's great because people can travel more and get out and see family and take vacations. It doesn't bite into your income as much," said Smith. "When you fill up your gas tank, it used to cost $50 and now it's $30. Yeah, it makes a difference and it's extra money to spend."
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The average price in Pennsylvania is $2.44 a gallon. A year ago it was nearly 50 cents more. Two years ago, it was over $3.50 a gallon.
Ron Gronski is taking advantage of the lower cost, heading to vacation at a state park in the northern tier.
"They really are allowing us to travel more, even going back and forth to work isn't so much of a dent in my expenses. It's been helpful in my life," said Gronski.
The savings from gasoline goes way beyond Fourth of July travelers. In fact, AAA estimates drivers as a whole have saved $20 billion just this year because gas prices are so low.
Most drivers agree any bit of savings helps.
"Anything you can do to save money. Money's tight. Jobs are scarce. People make ends meet as best they can so yeah, low gas prices help."
The low price of gasoline is due mainly to an excess supply of oil in the U.S. and worldwide.
The decision by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has hit stock markets hard, lowering the price of oil even more.
Experts say gas prices could actually fall before the holiday.
Find the lowest price for gas near you with the WNEP Gas Tracker.
