Several hundred thousand people are expected on Oklahoma roads with a hot Independence Day weekend beckoning people to the lake, river or fireworks displays.

That means motorists should watch out for other drivers and for road crews.

An Oklahoma AAA media release projects about 415,300 Oklahomans will drive 50 or more miles from home over the weekend, down 4 percent from 2008.

“Many Americans remain cautious about the outlook for their personal finances, and these attitudes are reflected in the slight decline in the level of travel we are forecasting for the upcoming holiday weekend,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Those who do vacation this summer will find plenty of attractive discounts and special offers resulting in some outstanding vacation values. If you can afford to go, this summer is a very smart time to travel.”

Oklahoma gas prices remain among the lowest in the nation and have dropped 11 cents over the past 10 days, the AAA said. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report said the state average for self-serve regular is about $2.43 cents per gallon, with prices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa averaging a nickel lower than that.

Missouri continues to have a lower statewide gas price, averaging $2.41 per gallon for regular, the report said.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said troopers will be out in full force to make sure motorists drive safely.

“Alcohol offenses, speeding and restraint violations have always been leading causes of fatality collisions during the summer months,” OHP spokesman Chris West. “That is why we focus so much of our resources on these violations.

Oklahoma is one of several states participating in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a nationwide campaign to reduce fatalities during holiday periods.

“Troopers from all over the country will be patrolling roadways, targeting speeders, drunk drivers and seat belt violators.”

The Oklahoma Highway Safety office reported six fatalities and 348 injuries in crashes during the July 4 holiday in 2008. All crashes involving fatalities were alcohol-related.

People heading out of town this weekend could expect a few road impairments.

The U.S. 62 bridge over the Arkansas River just east of the Muskogee Turnpike remains one lane both directions.

Mickie Bennett, field manager for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Muskogee office, also noted these traffic conditions:

Interstate 40 is narrowed to one lane in both directions from U.S. 266 to three miles west of Oklahoma 2 between Checotah and Warner.