It's that time of year again: holiday travel season

Gasoline prices are higher than a year ago, but more Washingtonians are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday.

Nearly 1 million Washington area residents are expected to hit the roads this week, and they will likely travel 50 miles or more over the six-day holiday period, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Mahlon G. "Lon" Anderson.

The increase in highway travelers from the Washington area is partly linked to the area's slightly better economy, which outshines many other U.S. cities.

"Area residents can count their blessings this Thanksgiving because our region has the highest median household income in the United States -- $84,824 -- and one of the lowest unemployment rates. So, higher gas prices and travel costs won't necessarily deter them from traveling in greater numbers than last Thanksgiving," stated Anderson in an e-mail.

Gas prices around the area are up nearly 60 cents over this time last year, according to Anderson.

In Virginia, the AAA Fuel Gauge Report on Friday showed gas prices statewide ranging between $2.52 and $2.60. States on the west coast, and West Virginia, had some of highest priced gas in the nation, with some stations charging as much as $3.42 a gallon.

Locally, the average price per gallon in Woodbridge was lower than the state average and stood at $2.49 a gallon. In Manassas and Gainesville average prices were higher, at $2.54 per gallon.

With the increase of those hitting the road, Virginia State Police urged everyone to buckle up for safety.

"Buckling up only takes a matter of seconds and is one of the easiest and surest ways to increase your chances to surviving a traffic crash," stated Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. W. Stephen Flaherty in an e-mail. "So, why run the risk of endangering yourself my not wearing a seat belt? Why run the risk of getting a ticket for failing to obey the law? Why not start this Thanksgiving holiday with a new tradition of always wearing your safety belt?"

Of the 12 people killed on Virginia roads over the Thanksgiving holiday last year, nine of them were not wearing their seat belts, according to state police. Troopers are participating in a statewide "Click it or Ticket" initiative through Sunday, encouraging more motorists to buckle up.

With more vehicles on the roads, the number of air travelers will fall by 6.3 percent this Thanksgiving, stated Anderson. AAA blames the reduction on stricter airport security regulations, frequent flight delays, added fees and fewer scheduled flights that lead to more crowded planes in the skies.

"Air passengers think the airlines will nickel and dime them to death with all the extra fees and surcharges, including an extra $20 each way for flying on the busiest travel days," stated Anderson.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.