Good weather and a recent drop in fuel prices across North and South Carolina are expected to entice more than 1,000,000 cars to the state’s highways over the three-day weekend.

AAA of the Carolinas reports gas prices have fallen about 13 cents to reach $2.74 a gallon across North Carolina since peaking on May 7.

The agency attributes the fall in prices to financial turmoil in the European Union, which has caused distributors to have higher inventory levels for the holiday weekend than in recent years.

The Web site www.gasbuddy.com had prices falling to a $2.70 a gallon average across the state Wednesday for regular unleaded, below the national average of $2.77.

AAA called improving signs in the state’s economy, the good weather forecasts and gas prices “the perfect trifecta” to draw motorists to the roads.

“Travel decisions are made at the last minute more than in the past,” AAA Carolinas President and CEO David Parsons said. “With gas prices dropping daily, abundant hotel weekend deals and warm weather, staycations (staying at home vacations) are losing their appeal.”

Hotel bookings are up about 10 percent from last year, the agency reports, and about 20 percent more auto rentals have been reserved in North Carolina this year.

“Travelers are still watching their budgets, but they are getting out of the house after searching for promotions and deals being offered in greater abundance this Memorial Day holiday,” Parsons said.

While cheaper gas prices are expected to drive holiday travel, an influx of tourists has gas prices remaining higher in Wilmington and Myrtle Beach than the rest of North and South Carolina, so motorists may want to keep some of those savings from filling up on the way for the way back.

May is also Motorcycle Safety Month in North Carolina.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, bikes account for about 2 percent of registered vehicles in the state, but more than a tenth of the traffic fatalities.

“Educating both bikers and other drivers about the importance of motorcycle safety and being aware of their surroundings is key to making our state a safer place to travel,” State Transportation Secretary Gene Conti said.

For those who drive or ride a motorcycle, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program suggests abiding by the state’s helmet law and remaining visible on the road at all times by wearing bright or reflective clothing.

For other drivers, it suggests sharing the road, checking blind spots for bikes, keeping a safe distance behind motorcycles and being cautious in the proximity of two- or three-wheelers.

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.