Taking a road trip for the holidays? Here's what to know if you're driving

Many drivers on the roads this holiday season

Holiday travel by car will come close to records this holiday season, according to AAA.

TAMPA, Fla. - With a near-record number of drivers expected on the roads this holiday season, officials are sharing messages emphasizing safe travel.

Holiday travel by the numbers

Travel forecast

AAA projects 107 million people nationwide will travel by car at least 50 miles from home during the holiday travel season, which began on Saturday, Dec. 21, and runs through Wednesday, Jan. 1. That's just shy of the record set in 2019 when 108 million hit the road.

Gas prices

Nationwide, drivers are paying an average of $3.04 per gallon. That's down from $3.12 on Christmas Eve last year.

Florida's average gas price is also down a few cents compared to a year ago, but slightly above the national average, at $3.07 per gallon.

Impaired driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people per day are killed by drunk drivers.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says there are more alcohol-related crashes in December than any other month.

READ: AAA offers free 'Tow to Go' program this Christmas, New Year's to prevent impaired driving

"We want to make sure people are aware of that, that they make a plan before they head out," Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said. "Establish a designated driver or take a ride-sharing or cab service to and from your intended destination."

Anyone who suspects someone is driving impaired in Florida can call *FHP to alert troopers.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: