9/7/21 - AAA : Gas Prices Up & Extra Congestion

AAA Michigan says we are paying an average of $3.21 per gallon. They also tell drivers to use extra caution as school is back in session.

(AAA Michigan) -  Gas prices in Michigan increased 8 cents from last week.

Michigan drives are now paying an average of $3.21 per gallon for regular unleaded.  This price is 10 cents less than this time last month but still $1.11 more than this time last year. 

Hurricane Ida took 13% of U.S. refining capacity offline.  While no re-start dates have been announced, AAA anticipates operations beginning within the next 3 weeks.  The average price of gas in Michigan has slowly declined after prices jumped to $3.22 last Thursday.

"The impact of Hurricane Ida caused a sharp spike in gas prices last week ahead of Labor Day weekend," said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group.

-Most expensive gas price average: Metro Detroit ($3.27), Ann Arbor ($3.26), Marquette ($3.22)

-Least expensive gas price averages: Benton Harbor ($3.13), Traverse City ($3.14), Grand Rapids ($3.16)

Meanwhile AAA Michigan says our roads are getting more crowded as millions of students and teachers return to school.  AAA is launching its "School's Open Drive Carefully" campaign, reminding drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and obey traffic laws when passing bus stops and driving through neighborhoods and school zones. 

Drivers can expect an increase in congestion, pedestrians, buses and bicyclists.

Drivers need to be careful as they leave the driveway.  

According to a recent AAA survey of Michigan drivers: 

-53% drive through a school zone on their daily commute or regular driving route. 

-46% encounter school bus stops during their daily commute or regular driving routine.

School Bus Safety Tips for Driver:

-Prepare to stop when a school bus is slowing down and has its overhead yellow lights flashing.

-Stop at least 20 feet away from school buses when red lights are flashing.

-Slow down as you approach and while driving through school zones and residential areas.

-Look for clues, such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds, that indicate children may be in the area.

-Watch for children between parked cars and other objects. 

If you have a teen driver, remind them that car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in 4 fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.