fewer South Carolinians on the road for Thanksgiving weekend

Although gas prices are plummeting, fewer South Carolinians are expected to journey over the river and through the woods this Thanksgiving weekend.

AAA Carolinas says the troubled economy will mean the first drop in Thanksgiving holiday travel in six years.

The motor club expects 526,000 South Carolinians to travel more than 50 miles by road this weekend, down about 8,000 from last year.

About 73,000 South Carolinians are expected to fly, a decline of about 7,000 from a year ago.

AAA President David Parsons says the decline might be a bit smaller than otherwise because Thanksgiving is still a holiday people want to spend with family and friends.

Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Josef Robinson says troopers will have checkpoints around the state, hoping to crack down on speeding and reduce traffic deaths.

Local Myrtle Beach gas prices are presently around $1.63 per gallon.