Low gas prices will increase Labor Day weekend traffic

Labor Day weekend is near which means tomorrow will be one of the busiest traffic days of the year, and current low gas prices won’t help thin out traffic.

“The Idaho State Police is gearing up for a really busy travel weekend. We’ve partnered with the Idaho Transportation Department to put extra troopers out on the roadways. We’re really going to be targeting the Impaired Driving Campaign and the efforts to really intercept those drivers before they cause crashes,” said Idaho State Police Lt. Chris Weadick.

Gas Buddy says the country has the lowest gas prices we’ve seen for the past 12 years. Those low prices will play a role in even more traffic this Labor Day weekend.

“With Labor Day weekend, prime time is all time. You know, there are people leaving at all different times and people with different schedules all over the place. And so, the traffic is definitely heavy all the time which increases the chances of a crash, and a lot of other things like DUI crashes,” said senior trooper Joshua Wrathall.

But good news for those traveling on I-15, the interstate construction is at a pause for the holiday weekend.

“U.S. 91 between Shelley, Firth and Blackfoot is going to be very busy this weekend. We have the fair traffic that’s really going to start kicking up on both I-15 and U.S. 91. So we’ll be out in force, promoting traffic safety and really trying to take care of the traffic problems that these type of weekends generate,” said Weadick.

Nevertheless, the Idaho State Police are well prepared with extra troopers on the ground this weekend; so take your time, drive safe, and enjoy your holiday weekend.

Here are the cheapest prices at the tank in our area…

Idaho Falls – $2.39 at Sam’s Club
Rexburg – $2.37 at Exxon
Blackfoot – $2.42 at Phillips 66
Pocatello – $2.39 at Costco
And Jackson – $2.38 at Phillips 66