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Heavy traffic expected Labor Day weekend
By Paul Crossman
Regardless of the tough economic conditions, Labor Day is still one of the most popular vacation getaway weekends, and because of this, traffic- both on the highways and off- will be much heavier than usual.
AAA projects that this Labor Day, 39.1 million travelers will set out on a trip that will take them at least 50 miles from home, and although this is a 13.3 percent decrease from last year, it is still one of the highest traveler projections this decade. Travel is down, according to AAA, not because of gas prices or the economy, but rather due to the lateness of the holiday, and many children and college students already having started school.
Car travel will make up nearly 84 percent of these commutes, and this being the case, there are several steps drivers should take on this holiday weekend in order to keep themselves and other drivers safe.
According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), one of the most important things to be aware of is to make sure you don’t drive when you begin to get over-tired or distracted, and to keep your eyes open for drivers who might be suffering from the same condition.
Greenport Police Chief Kevin Marchetto warns travelers to avoid one of the most common reasons for being distracted while driving — talking or texting on a cell phone. According to him this has been an increasing problem for a while now, and with the increased traffic flow during the holiday weekend could really lead to some serious accidents.
Though it is not smart to talk on your phone or text while driving, AAA recommends that you do keep a charged phone in the car in case of emergencies such as running out of gas or getting in an accident.
Officer Ken Stern agrees with the Chief Marchetto about the dangers of texting, adding that people need to be able to compensate for the irregularly-heavy traffic flow.
“There’s going to be a lot more traffic,” he told the Register-Star. “So slow down, and give yourself more time to get wherever you’re going.”
Stern also advised weekend travelers to make sure they leave a little bit of extra space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, as it will give more time to react in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
Both officers added a warning to those people who plan to celebrate the holiday weekend at parties, bars and barbeques: Have fun, but if you drink, don’t drive, as towns all over the state and the nation will be setting up extra patrols and DUI checkpoints to catch drunk drivers.
According to Roma Apkarian of AAA Hudson Valley, it may also make your trip easier and more enjoyable to set out for your destination earlier in the morning to help avoid the heaviest traffic. Although this is no guarantee of avoiding traffic jams, it should at least play a part in getting to your destination in a timely manner.
“Before you go, have a plan,” said Apkarian, “...give yourself plenty of time to get there. Travel at moderate speeds, avoid sudden starts and stops, and use cruise control to help save money on gas mileage.”
She also advises families with more than one vehicle to choose the more fuel efficient model, saying that in some cases it may even be cheaper to rent a fuel efficient car than to take your gas-guzzling SUV.
Aside from being careful on the road, and before you leave the driveway for any trip, especially if it’s a longer one, it is also a good idea to make sure you check the tires on your car for tread and pressure, the headlights, wipers, and brakes. One of the most important steps to keeping safe on the road is making sure your vehicle is in good enough condition to reach your destination.
Though many of these steps may seem like common sense, many people either willfully ignore them— like texting while driving— or simply forget about things like checking their tire tread and pressure in the rush and confusion of getting ready for vacation.
The main thing is to drive carefully throughout the long weekend, and keep an eye out for other drivers who may not be obeying all the rules of the road. Stay alert, and urge other vacationers you might know to do the same.
***
To reach reporter Paul Crossman call 518-828-1616, ext. 2266, or e-mail pcrossman@registerstar.com. To comment directly on this story, visit our website at www.registerstar.com.
AAA projects that this Labor Day, 39.1 million travelers will set out on a trip that will take them at least 50 miles from home, and although this is a 13.3 percent decrease from last year, it is still one of the highest traveler projections this decade. Travel is down, according to AAA, not because of gas prices or the economy, but rather due to the lateness of the holiday, and many children and college students already having started school.
Car travel will make up nearly 84 percent of these commutes, and this being the case, there are several steps drivers should take on this holiday weekend in order to keep themselves and other drivers safe.
According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), one of the most important things to be aware of is to make sure you don’t drive when you begin to get over-tired or distracted, and to keep your eyes open for drivers who might be suffering from the same condition.
Greenport Police Chief Kevin Marchetto warns travelers to avoid one of the most common reasons for being distracted while driving — talking or texting on a cell phone. According to him this has been an increasing problem for a while now, and with the increased traffic flow during the holiday weekend could really lead to some serious accidents.
Though it is not smart to talk on your phone or text while driving, AAA recommends that you do keep a charged phone in the car in case of emergencies such as running out of gas or getting in an accident.
Officer Ken Stern agrees with the Chief Marchetto about the dangers of texting, adding that people need to be able to compensate for the irregularly-heavy traffic flow.
“There’s going to be a lot more traffic,” he told the Register-Star. “So slow down, and give yourself more time to get wherever you’re going.”
Stern also advised weekend travelers to make sure they leave a little bit of extra space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, as it will give more time to react in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
Both officers added a warning to those people who plan to celebrate the holiday weekend at parties, bars and barbeques: Have fun, but if you drink, don’t drive, as towns all over the state and the nation will be setting up extra patrols and DUI checkpoints to catch drunk drivers.
According to Roma Apkarian of AAA Hudson Valley, it may also make your trip easier and more enjoyable to set out for your destination earlier in the morning to help avoid the heaviest traffic. Although this is no guarantee of avoiding traffic jams, it should at least play a part in getting to your destination in a timely manner.
“Before you go, have a plan,” said Apkarian, “...give yourself plenty of time to get there. Travel at moderate speeds, avoid sudden starts and stops, and use cruise control to help save money on gas mileage.”
She also advises families with more than one vehicle to choose the more fuel efficient model, saying that in some cases it may even be cheaper to rent a fuel efficient car than to take your gas-guzzling SUV.
Aside from being careful on the road, and before you leave the driveway for any trip, especially if it’s a longer one, it is also a good idea to make sure you check the tires on your car for tread and pressure, the headlights, wipers, and brakes. One of the most important steps to keeping safe on the road is making sure your vehicle is in good enough condition to reach your destination.
Though many of these steps may seem like common sense, many people either willfully ignore them— like texting while driving— or simply forget about things like checking their tire tread and pressure in the rush and confusion of getting ready for vacation.
The main thing is to drive carefully throughout the long weekend, and keep an eye out for other drivers who may not be obeying all the rules of the road. Stay alert, and urge other vacationers you might know to do the same.
***
To reach reporter Paul Crossman call 518-828-1616, ext. 2266, or e-mail pcrossman@registerstar.com. To comment directly on this story, visit our website at www.registerstar.com.
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