BEST TIP FOR THIS WEEKEND: Plan on leaving early
According to AAA Arizona, this year's Memorial Day Weekend
is expected to have the first increase in holiday travel in 5 years. What
that means then, is that you should be a little more prepared--and
vigilant--during your travels this weekend. Extra precaution is important
whether you are one of the estimated 700,000 Arizonans who are travelling from
home, or one of the “stay-cationers”
who are staying local.
If you're like me, the first thing you think of when you
hear "increased travel" is TRAFFIC
JAMS. Traffic will undoubtedly be slower as our highway systems are
crowded. Crowded roadways only increase the potential for motor vehicle
collisions. First of all,
there are way more cars crammed into the same small place, making car-to-car
contact much more likely. Secondly, visibility is dramatically decreased
as cars become boxed in by one another. Thirdly, the speed differential
increases between the slow lanes and fast lanes, making it quite dangerous to
merge from one lane to another.
Lastly, patience is short, tempers flare, and from that
combination bad things happen. Have
you ever noticed how the slower traffic gets, the more frustrated drivers seem
to be? The opposite is true when we're cruising down the highway without
a hitch. Unfamiliar places and shaky directions can also add to
stress. Be aware of your emotional state while you drive, as well as that
of the other drivers. Remember, this is supposed to be a fun holiday weekend!!
Arriving safely is only part of the battle. Hotels,
pools, lakes, and trails will be a bit busier this year, so have a little more
awareness. Boating, especially, requires alertness as there is often a
convergence of watercraft, alcohol, swimmers, and children. In
Be mindful of the increased traffic this year, and keep
safety in mind as you relax and let loose a little.
I want to wish you and your family a happy Memorial Day weekend--you deserve it!
