TRAFFIC JAMS MAY TAKE A TOLL ON HOLIDAY CHEER

There's no place like home for the holidays.

But getting there isn't always half the fun.

This Thanksgiving, an estimated 27 million motorists will be on the road to see family and friends, said Mike Right, a spokesman for American Automobile Association.

"That's up about 3 percent over last year," he said.

"There's going to be another 5.2 million traveling by air, train or bus, so it's going to be a busy holiday season," Right said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be out in force through Sunday night.

Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) went into effect Wednesday morning for the Thanksgiving holiday and will end at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, according to patrol officials.

Troopers will be assigned to all roadways for traffic enforcement, especially DWI, speeding and seatbelt usage, and to assist motorists traveling during the holiday weekend.

More than 2,200 traffic accidents were recorded during the Thanksgiving 1996 weekend, according to the highway patrol, including 15 fatalities.

In the Troop E region, which covers Southeast Missouri, there six fatalities during Thanksgiving 1996, said Sgt. David Smith, a spokesman for the highway patrol.

The highway patrol has two toll-free numbers to help motorists. The Road Condition Report is available by calling 1-800-222-6400.

The emergency assistance number is 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on cellular phones for reporting accidents, crimes or other highway emergencies.

While traveling safely, Missouri motorists also can travel pretty cheaply, at least compared to the rest of the nation, Right said.

"Fuel prices are great," he said.

Statewide, the average price for a gallon of gasoline is $1.09, down 10 cents from Thanksgiving 1996.

"Nationally, the average price is $1.23 a gallon," Right said. "That's down about 5 cents from last Thanksgiving."

Traditionally, gas prices in Missouri are "about the lowest in the nation," Right said.