A projected 55.4 million people will travel more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, according to AAA.

That marks a 2.3 percent increase over last year and the third-highest since data tracking started in 2000.

It will mean more people on the roads.

And local Pennsylvania State Police will be holding a checkpoint at some point this weekend amid a call to drive safe and sober this weekend.

“The Pennsylvania State Police in Warren would like to remind the public about the dangers of driving while impaired with alcohol or drugs,” Cpl. Noelle Schad said. ” This problem continues to persist, causing needless deaths every year.

“We would like to tell everyone that if you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a sober driver.”

While the focus is often on drinking and driving, Schad also highlighted the potential risk in legal and illegal drugs.

“Even the use of prescription drugs can also render an operator incapable of safe vehicle operation,” Schad said.

“To combat the problem of impaired operators, the State Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint sometime over the weekend of Nov. 24-26 to deter driving under the influence infractions,” Schad continued. “Please keep yourself and other(s) safe, don’t drink and drive.”

GAS PRICES FLAT HERE

Gas prices continued a recent downward trend in the region falling three cents this week to $3.67.

The price in Warren, according to the AAA East Central Gas Price Report, remains flat at $3.829, second highest in western Pennsylvania.

The national average fell six cents to $3.30 this week in advance of the holiday. Ten states, per the report, have average prices below $3 per gallon.

Declines in oil prices have continued to keep prices down.

“Oil prices fell due to reduced market concerns that the conflict in the Middle East will escalate, which could lead to a reduction in regional oil production and higher prices,” the report states.