AAA Texas reports nearly 2.8 million people across the state will hit the road for the Fourth of July weekend. While that sounds like a lot, AAA says it's actually about two percent less than last year.

Rising gas prices are partially to blame. With many gas stations topping four dollars, the price peak is keeping some local residents closer to home this holiday weekend.

It's not only keeping some people in the Bryan/College Station area, but it's also changing the way some of them think. In the past, a weekend getaway was something people could do on the spur of the moment. However, with gas prices the way they are now, many motorists say it's not that easy anymore.

"It's definitely a pain," College Student Brandon Davis said. "You definitely have to plan for it a lot more in your budget now."

Remember when $10 could get you a lot more than just two gallons? Those days are long gone, and now more than ever people say weekend getaways have to be planned long in advance.

"I am going to the River, but I did have to save some money," Student Carrie Carlton said.

Carlton says she saved up three weeks to fill-up for the Fourth of July weekend, and she's not alone.

"Ain't nothing else you can do about it," Resident Noland Johnson said. "You just got to suck it up."

However, what if there was something else you could do about it?

A bumper sticker on John Jackson's truck probably says it best. A $1.95 for a gallon a gas, he says doesn't have to be a thing of the past, but rather the wave of the future.

"It's cheaper to produce. The way we're going to do it is with solar and wind power," Jackson said. "Solar and wind production, you can actually produce it for just the cost of water, and maintenance of location."

John's talking about a greener alternative to hydrogen gas. He wants to develop hydrogen stations around Bryan/College Station. Just about two weeks ago he started a new company called GHAS to show people alternatives to the rising prices at the gas pump.

"Bryan/College Station would be the first in the country," Jackson said.

Until some alternative methods make it more mainstream, college students like Brandon Davis say they'll just keep their Fourth of July plans closer to home.

"I was going to go down to Houston, but we're just going to Bryan now with some friends," Davis said.

Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety say even though fewer motorists are expected to be on the road this weekend, DPS will be out in full force. Troopers say they will be patrolling not only with their day-to-day staff, but will also be bringing extra troopers in to help monitor the roads.

To learn more about GHAS, a hydrogen alternative to fuel, click on the link below.