ANDERSON — Even though gas prices are as high as ever, thousands of drivers are still expected to hit the road for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. It just won’t be more than the previous year, according to AAA Carolinas.

An estimated 394,000 South Carolina drivers are expected to hit the road beginning Friday, nearly the same amount as anticipated last year. Each is expected to travel more than 50 miles from home, according to surveys by AAA and the Travel Industry Association.

“This is the first major vacation of the year, it signals the beginning of summer and despite high gasoline prices and an uncertain economy, motorists are not going to stay home,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas.

Since April, gas prices have jumped 50 cents a gallon in South Carolina, setting record-high prices almost daily. Since last Memorial Day, prices are up 64 cents a gallon, according to AAA.

Even though gas prices are going up, up, up, it isn’t known if it will strongly affect the distance summer vacationers will travel.

“It remains unknown what a potential price of $4 a gallon gasoline would have on consumption,” said Parsons. “There have been past surveys in which motorists promised major behavioral changes when gasoline reached $2 a gallon and again when gasoline reached $3 a gallon but those survey conclusions did not materialize.”

According to Angie’s List, almost half of its members who plan to travel this summer will go between 100 and 500 miles. The organization, which provides consumer ratings on about a dozen auto-related categories of service, suggests these gas-saving tips.

n Slow down: Driving the speed limit will increase fuel efficiency.

n Get gas when the light comes on: Nearly emptying the tank can cause fuel tank problems, which results in low fuel-efficiency.

n Drive at night: Almost half the energy needed to power your vehicle goes to acceleration, and unnecessary braking wastes that energy. Plus, it’s cooler at night meaning you don’t have to run the air conditioning system as much.

n Take it to the shop: Have yearly check-ups and always change your oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.