Thursday, July 4, 1996

Gas prices up and down for Fourth

By ANNA M. TINSLEY
Harte-Hanks Austin Bureau

AUSTIN - Texas motorists who travel to Abilene this Fourth of July weekend will find some of the highest gas prices in the state - even though the prices are lower than they have been since Memorial Day.

Overall, gas prices in the state have dropped about 4 cents a gallon since Memorial Day weekend.
The timing couldn't be better - for Texans and drivers nationwide - as 35.7 million motorists are expected to travel this weekend, said Gil Teel, spokesman for the American Automobile Association.

That means more travelers will be driving on roads than in the past eight years.

"More and more people are taking the opportunity for reunions and family gatherings," Teel said, "and this travel trend will continue even more with the lower gas prices."

In Abilene, the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline is $1.26 per gallon. That's the third highest average gas price in the state - just under El Paso's price of $1.34 and Lubbock's price of $1.27, according to AAA. Dallas also has a rate of $1.26 per gallon.

The statewide average is $1.22 per gallon.

On Memorial Day, local prices averaged out to $1.29 per gallon.

As low gas prices may encourage more Texans to travel, extra law enforcement - including those in Big Spring and Snyder - will be watching to make sure drivers wear seat belts and follow the speed limit through the Safe and Sober campaign.

The campaign provides money through the Texas Department of Transportation that pays off-duty officers to patrol roads that have had a number of speeders or speed-related accidents.

Thirty-seven Texas cities are participating in the program. So far, Big Spring and Snyder have agreements with the transportation department, said spokesman Alan King.

"This (program) gives them some money to use for overtime for officers," King said. "It helps to have more officers out there. When there's a law enforcement presence on roadways, people tend to behave themselves better."

The Department of Public Safety's holiday fatality count began at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will run through midnight tonight. Troopers estimate that as many as 15 people may die on Texas roads during the 30-hour period.

"The potential for loss of life could be lessened if drivers follow a few rules of the road - buckle up, don't speed and don't drink and drive," said DPS Lt. Col. Dudley Thomas.

Texans who imbibe a bit too much this weekend can call AAA for help through the Tipsy Tow program. A bartender, friend or family member can call 1-800-222-4357 and a tow truck will pick up - and take home - an intoxicated driver.

The free service, which runs from 5 p.m. Wednesday to midnight Sunday, is not to exceed 15 miles, Teel said.

For those traveling Texas roads, officials recommend drivers be well-rested and alert before beginning road trips.

"Drivers should also remember to take a break from time to time," said Bill Burnett, executive director of the transportation department. "Fatigue is a significant factor in highway crashes, especially during a holiday."

The department maintains 111 roadside rest areas with restrooms and 804 picnic areas across the state.