With national average gas prices dropping below $2 per gallon for the first time since 2009, more motorists will be out on the roadways from now until New Year’s.

According to AAA, more than 100 million Americans will travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Cpl. Benjamin Seibert expects the roadways to be congested due to low gas prices and said more patrols will be out to ensure motorists travel safely.

In the state of Mississippi, gas prices average around $1.79 per gallon, according to AAA. Around Pearl River County, gas prices are currently less than $2 per gallon and many residents are enjoying the price while it lasts.

On Wednesday, a gallon of unleaded gas cost $1.69 at Chevron on Highway 43. Customer Richard Cowart said while he’s staying in Picayune for the holidays, he hopes the prices remain low.

“I fill my Jeep up all the time,” Cowart said.

At Mickey’s No. 2 Quick Stop, where the price is $1.77 a gallon for unleaded gas, Constable Ray Bennett said he wishes the prices were lower.

“The prices are good, but I wish they would be lower,” Bennett said.

However, Chevron customer Alison Jenkins said while she likes the price, it may affect some people negatively.

“The low prices help me, but it hurts people here who work on oil rigs,” Jenkins said.

Here are the local gas prices:

—Texaco on Highway 11 — $1.67 regular and $2.19 diesel.

—Mickey’s No. 1 on Highway 11 — $1.77 regular.

—Mickey’s No. 2 on Highway 11— $1.77 regular.

—Shell on Memorial Boulevard — $1.68 regular.

—Chevron on Memorial Boulevard — $1.68 regular and $2.09 diesel.

—Chevron on Highway 43 —$1.69 regular and $2.09 diesel.

—Exxon on Memorial Boulevard — $1.68 regular and $2.10 diesel.

—Shell on Nicholson at I-59 Exit 1 — $1.76 for regular and $2.09 diesel.

—Chevron on Nicholson at I-59 Exit 1 — $1.74 regular and $2.09 diesel.

—Race Trac — $1.67 regular and $2.09 diesel.

—Murphy U.S.A. near Walmart— $1.65 regular.