Pack your patience for Memorial Day Weekend traffic
GHENT, WV (WVNS) – Memorial Day is considered by many the unofficial start to summer.
It is also one of the most traveled holidays, which makes it one of the most dangerous travel days of the year.
According to AAA, they estimate that 44 million people will be traveling nationwide. Among West Virginians, there are 210,000 people traveling with 89% of those travelers going by car.
With more traffic on the road, there is always a higher risk of wrecks and fatalities.
According to NSC Injury Facts, between 2017 and 2022, the Memorial Day period averaged 428 traffic related fatalities; nearly 12% of all vehicular fatalities that occur in May.
59News spoke to Lori Weaver Hawkins, Public Affairs Manager of AAA Bluegrass, who is urging drivers to pack their patience.
“You’re not supposed to be policing other drivers and their driving behaviors,” said Weaver Hawkins. “You need to be focused on your own [driving]. Don’t let your temper flare. Just stay calm. You’ll get to your destination safely that way.”
Weaver Hawkins said that two of the biggest concerns for the holiday weekend, outside of impaired driving, are distracted driving and aggressive driving.
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The biggest form of distracted driving is when a driver is sidetracked by their phones, whether it be for music, texting, or any other functions.
According to Cambridge Mobile Telematics, drivers spent 2 minutes and 18 seconds per hour on their phones. However, the use of technology for long trips can also be helpful at times.
“So, if you want to map out your trip ahead of time, West Virginia, just like most departments of transportation, they have websites that you can go to, to check their traffic, what kind of construction might be going on along you route, things like that. then of course there are apps out there that can do that,” Weaver Hawkins added.
AAA members can use the AAA app to access gas prices for along their trip. Members can also utilize TripTik to plan out their trips. AAA retail offices are also open for members to stop by and ask questions relating to their upcoming trips.
Weaver Hawkins also stressed the importance of making sure your car is good to go before you head out. With the fluctuating weather West Virginia has been recently experiencing, it is important to keep tabs on your tire pressure.
Other forms of distracted driving include: distracting passengers, driving while eating, and driving on an empty stomach.
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Weaver Hawkins warned that aggressive driving can occur not only in metro areas, but also near toll plazas.
She also reminded people that not everyone has the day off.
“There are folks that who are not going to be vacationing on Memorial Day Weekend. They’re working roadside – be it tow drivers, folks helping stranded motorists, law enforcement, [or] emergency folks,” she said. “So, when you come upon an emergency first responder or tow driver, please slow down, and if it’s safe to do so, move over a lane.”
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