AAA: Gas Prices Down This Week, This Month; But Higher Than A Year Ago

Prices, locally, are down over the past month, but higher than the national average.

Hitting the road soon? The current price of unleaded regular gasoline is about $3.66 at several Milford stations, or 25 cents above the national average for self serve unleaded of $3.41, according to GasBuddy.com. A year ago at this time the Massachusetts average price was $3.33. The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 40 cents, from a low of $3.45 to a high of $3.85. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up — every time.

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Traffic Enforcement Ramps Up During Holiday Season

Troopers from all over New England want to help local drivers stay safe and prevent crashes during the holiday season.

The holidays are upon us, and many residents will be traveling this week to see family and friends all across New England. State Police are doing their part to help ensure these visits don't end in tragedy because of impaired or distracted driving. The Massachusetts State Police joined forces with other New England State Police divisions at headquarters in Framingham to explain their C.A.R.E program. Increased patrols this week will focus on impaired/drunken driving, texting while driving and seatbelt law violations, among other things. "We aren't trying to discourage people from going out and enjoying themselves," Massachusetts State Police Col. Timothy P. Alben said. "We just want to make sure they are being safe and responsible." The C.…

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 23

The day before Thanksgiving is one of the most heavily traveled days of the year. Here are five things to know if you're hitting the road.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. If you happen to be using the Mass Pike, heading in or out of Boston Wednesday afternoon, the tolls will be free at the Allston/Brighton toll plazas, Exits 18, 19 and 20, courtesy of Zappos shoes and apparel. The company's "Happiness Campaign" also includes drivers who use the Fast Pass. Their accounts will be credited. Zappos.com will pay the tolls from 5 to 7 p.m. 2. Thanksgiving is not a holiday for our friends on the highway, the Massachusetts State Police. The agency issued some tips for safe highway driving, such as leaving the proper amount of space between …

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