HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A record number of travelers will be setting off for holiday visits and vacations this year, with peak travel time coinciding with the first day of winter, and the ever-present possibility of winter weather impacting travel.

And we could see some winter precipitation over the Christmas weekend.

But, gas prices will be on your side if you’re planning on Holiday travel.

According to www.gasbuddy.com, prices at most stations in Hutchinson are holding at $2.14, while Murphy’s USA is at $2.12 per-gallon. Something you don’t see very often, the prices in South Hutchinson are a little higher with most stations at $2.15.

The states average price is $2.25 per-gallon and the price extremes this week have a price of $2.52 in Marysville, Kan., which is in Marshall County. That was the highest in the state as of Sunday, while the lowest in the state was at Cunningham in Kingman County, with a gas price this week at $2.10 per-gallon. Those numbers according to Triple A Kansas.

If you are planning on traveling for the Christmas weekend, here are some tips, make sure you have a good battery. Even at 32 degrees, a battery is 35 percent weaker.

At zero degrees, a car’s battery loses about 60 percent of its strength, yet the engine needs about twice as much power to start.

A battery’s life can be drained faster if devices are plugged into cars (cell phone chargers, upgraded audio and GPS devices. Check tire pressure since tires need more air when it is cold.

Motorists are advised to pack a winter emergency kit now to stow in the trunk of their vehicle to have immediately available should the need arise. More than 40 percent of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle.

Emergency kit items to include – de-icer, shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (for traction)

Pack a blanket, extra gloves and hat, heavy coat – if you’re stuck on the road for an extended period of time you’ll need to stay warm, especially if your vehicle is not running

Pack snacks, beverages, etc. – Also remember extra provisions if your pet is traveling with you

Charge your cell phone – have a backup power source for the car in case you’re stuck for a while, make sure your windshield wipers and lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) are working properly – make sure you can see and can be seen and keep a full tank of gas

For more information, visit www.AAA.com.