Things to keep in mind if you have Memorial Day travel plans

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, AAA is offering guidance to motorists who may be embarking on lengthy journeys through and around northern West Virginia.

AAA East Central predicts heavier road traffic for next Thursday and Friday (May 22-23). According to Jim Garrity, the director of public affairs, congestion will further rise the subsequent Sunday and Monday (May 25-26) when individuals start returning home.

If you’re among the over 45 million individuals planning to travel for Memorial Day, it might be wise to attempt avoiding some of that congestion,” advised Garrity. “This advice is particularly relevant if your travels take you near any significant metropolitan areas or cities.

Garrity informed 12 News that many of the primary requests received by AAA East Central involve dead batteries, flat tires, along with towing services due to problems that could often be avoided. In light of this, Garrity suggests having your vehicle inspected, noting that it’s an appropriate period of the year to tackle all the harm inflicted on cars during the wintertime.

He suggested obtaining salt for under your vehicle and having your oil levels and car battery inspected. “Particularly in this region, if your battery is more than two or three years old, have your battery tested, check your oil, and ensure all your fluid levels are full before embarking on a journey,” he emphasized.

Garrity stated that AAA is ready to assist several hundred thousand individuals across the nation during the Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, he informed 12 News that AAA anticipates seeing an all-time high number of travelers on the roads this year.

Leave early. Allow ample time since even an additional hour to step outside can be beneficial—in the worst-case situation, you’ll arrive at your destination precisely when intended,” explained Garrity. “In the best-case scenario, you could end up arriving slightly ahead of schedule.

Garrity emphasized that giving yourself additional time can prevent the stress that might result in hazardous decisions while driving. This stress, he noted, can manifest as actions like road rage, following too closely, exceeding speed limits, making offensive hand signals, among others.

People traveling north toward Pittsburgh or going south toward Charleston can anticipate heavier traffic volumes over Memorial Day weekend.

“You might anticipate encountering heavier traffic as you approach areas with higher population densities. However, considering the unprecedented number of people traveling during this Memorial Day weekend, be prepared for congestion regardless of your location. Therefore, make sure to allocate additional time,” Garrity advised.

He mentioned that even for local travel, encountering traffic remains quite likely. “The roads will see many travelers […] If we look at past Memorial Day weekends with an increase in population, this is what you should anticipate,” he stated. According to AAA’s research findings, this prediction holds true for your journey ahead.

If you’re traveling by car over the Memorial Day weekend, make sure to bring along supplies sufficient for all passengers. Consider everything they might require should you find yourselves stuck in the vehicle for extended periods. Garrity suggests packing non-perishable snacks, bottled water, activities to keep kids entertained, mobile device chargers, and your AAA membership card. Additionally, include some tools that could assist in getting your car moving again or navigating towards the closest service station.

During the Memorial Day holiday period, Garrity mentioned that there would be an increase in personnel such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, construction workers, and tow truck operators. He emphasized that regardless of your location within the country, it’s crucial to adhere to the Move Over law, noting that every state has implemented this regulation in some form.

They want to return home to be with their loved ones and plan to commemorate Memorial Day together,” Garrity stated additionally. He informed 12 News that a general guideline is to switch lanes whenever encountering someone working beside the road or facing car troubles, but if changing lanes isn’t possible, then make sure to reduce your speed at minimum.

AAA’s research clearly shows that speed can make all the difference between life and death,” stated Garrity. “Far too frequently at AAA, we encounter avoidable accidents where individuals lose their lives simply because perhaps someone wasn’t focused enough while driving and failed to take action when necessary.