Gas Prices Slowly Deflate
Experts say that the summer driving season has been one of the largest in years and the consumption of gas has increased over 8.5 million barrels in the last month. Part of that draw down is the result of hurricane evacuees fleeing the impact of Irma. But it was significant enough to even affect our prices here in Oregon. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon
“We’ve had a ton of demand across the country and that is enough to impact our prices even in this region which is of course geographically isolated from the spots that were hit hard from the two hurricanes.”
Dodds says that prices should start to turn as refineries finish up their maintenance and move to winter blend fuels.
“Winter Blend fuels will start transitioning in later this month and through October and that does always put downward pressure on prices because the winter blend fuels are less expensive to produce.”
Currently the average price for a gallon of regular gas in florence has gone down 2 cents to $2.72 a gallon. State-wide the price is at $2.94
Distracted Driving Gets Expensive
October first begins the new era of distracted driving laws in Oregon. On the books is said to be one of the toughest laws in the states and calls for the elimination of all hands on communication devices. Prior to the new law, police could not pull you over for using your phone for navigation or for even scrolling facebook or reading your kindle. Now first time offenders can be charged up to $1000.00. Offenders that are found using the devices and causing an accident will have even greater fines of up to $2500.00. in addition these offenses will be posted to your driving record. Repeat offenders could also face up to a year in jail and fines in excess of $6000.00
Safety Seat Check
In the past year there have been some new rules for child safety in motor vehicles and Western Lane Ambulance District wants motorists and their children to be safe. This Saturday from 10-12 in the parking lot at Siuslaw middle School car seat technicians from Western Lane Ambulance and Safe Kids West Oregon will be on hand to make sure that your car seats meet regulations. There will also be a limited amount of free car seats on hand, but supply is limited.
Wine Walk and Chowder Trail Gets Jazzed
The Wine walk and Chowder Trail coming to Florence on the first weekend in October announced today the addition of a music guest that was not scheduled for the event but will play the Florence Event Center the evening of Saturday October 7th. Brazilian Jazz percussionist Airto Moreira and his six piece band will perform at 7 pm. Bettina Hannigan, Executive Director with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce says this is a great pairing for the event. The concert is $30 and tickets can be purchased at the FEC box office.
