PATCH AM Rewind: As Gas Approaches $5, Drivers Still Plan Road Trip

GARDEN CITY, NY — Gas prices are fighting to stay below $5 per gallon on Long Island, but it doesn't appear that will hamper families from hitting the road for the Memorial Day weekend.

AAA's Robert Sinclair, a guest on Wednesday's "Patch AM," said, they estimate, "A total of nearly 40 million people, overall, will be traveling," he said, 35 million people will use their vehicles.

AAA no longer surveys members amount the distance of their trips, but Sinclair thinks it might be scaled back slightly given the economic uncertainty.

As for the gas at the pumps, the average nationally is $4.60, while it's $4.93 in New York and $4.967 across Long Island, according to AAA.

In a March survey, the agency found that 75% of drivers would have issues shelling out $5 for a gallon of gas.

Sinclair did find one silver lining for getting behind the wheel this weekend.

"Fortunately, for those in our area, if you're driving, you're probably going to spend less on gasoline than you would if you stayed here," Sinclair said.

Watch the full Patch AM interview with Sinclair below.