Video: Washington wakes up to record high gas prices

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SEATTLE – Prices at the pump in Washington State broke through the $4 barrier overnight.

In the Seattle, Bellevue and Everett area, prices jumped from $3.98 Friday to $4.01 Saturday. In Bellingham the cost climbed from $4 to $4.05.

But the biggest jump occurred in Bremerton, where it climbed 5 cents, from $3.96 to $4.01.

Last year at this time, motorists were paying $3.45 a gallon.

AAA offers tips to save gas. Avoid quick starts and sudden stops, drive at moderate speeds (50 to 60 miles per hour), and use less air conditioning. Drivers should also make sure their filters are clean. They are advised to inflate their tires and avoid topping off their tanks.

People are trying all sorts of things to cope.

"I've started using my home office more," said Jan Culpepper. "And I think it's a good thing. I think all of us need to look deep into our resources and find ways to not be on the road."

The ripple effect is in place. Prices for airline tickets also increased and high fuel prices are blamed. The three biggest carriers announced Saturday they plan to raise their prices - some up to $60 per round-trip ticket.

Those headed out of town for Memorial Day may be able to save money by filling up before returning to the Seattle area.

Prices in Spokane are about 20 cents lower at $3.79 per gallon.

In Portland you'll pay about $3.91 a gallon.

But if you're heading north to Vancouver, B.C., you'll probably want to fill up in Seattle. Prices in Vancouver - converted from liters - are about $4.92 per gallon.

Memorial Day weekend traffic

The Washington State Department of Transportation warns drivers to be prepared for extra traffic this Memorial Day weekend, especially on US 2 at Stevens Pass and I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass.

Memorial Day is the busiest day for travel on westbound US 2. Close to 43,000 cars are expected over Stevens Pass over the course of the weekend, and WSDOT plans to re-time signals on the highway to keep traffic flowing.

Over I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass, the bulk of weekend traffic is expected Monday afternoon.

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Washington residents woke up to record high gas prices on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

On I-5, WSDOT says traffic usually builds on both directions of I-5 south of Thurston County and into Lewis County most of the day Monday.

Back-ups are also predicted on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge manual toll lanes Memorial Day evening between 3 and 10 p.m.

"We may have twice as many vehicles as normal using the manual toll lanes," said Greg Selstead, WSDOT Tolling Operations Director, in a press release. "We urge drivers to use alternative drive times if possible."

Longer than typical wait times are expected at ferry terminals and Canadian border crossings are expected to take longer for the holiday weekend.

Motorists are advised to check WSDOT's Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/Congestion/MemorialDay, to find the best times to travel.