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When it comes to filling-up at the pump, Americans are changing their perception of what they consider “too expensive.” AAA’s 2019 Gas Price survey found that 50 percent of consumers think paying $3 per gallon is too high – an increase of 30-cents from last year when half of consumers reported $2.70 as too expensive. That 2019 price point is also 50 cents more than in 2016, when half of consumers thought $2.50 was too much to pay at the pump. The good news is that the highest prices of the year may be in the rearview mirror.

Over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days -- the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day -- when the number of crash fatalities involving a teen driver historically rise. New crash data from 2013-2017 reveals major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during the summer driving period.

America’s rural transportation system is in need of repairs and modernization to support economic growth in the nation’s Heartland, which is a critical source of energy, food and fiber. Eleven percent of North Dakota’s rural bridges are rated as poor/structurally deficient, the 12th highest share in the U.S.

Nearly 43 million Americans will start their summer on a high note with a Memorial Day weekend getaway. The long holiday weekend -- marking the unofficial start of summer vacation season -- will see an additional 1.5 million people take to the nation’s roads, rails and runways compared with last year, a 3.6% increase. It will represent the second-highest travel volume ever recorded by AAA, trailing only the 44 million travelers posted in 2005.

North Dakota gas prices saw a slight decline last week indicating a possible early spring peak. Typically leading up to Memorial Day, ongoing refinery maintenance and healthy consumer demand contribute to pump prices increasing.

As longer daylight hours lead to rising temperatures and melting snow, motorcycle riders are itching to hit the open roads. As they do, AAA is advising motorists to be extra cautious and aware of all vehicles around them.