As Memorial Day approaches, all of us at Althauser Rayan Abbarno pause to honor and remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and Memorial Day remains one of the most meaningful holidays in America.
At the same time, Memorial Day weekend has also become one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Families throughout Washington State will spend the long weekend traveling to visit loved ones, attend community events, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off the summer season.
This year, AAA projects approximately 45 million Americans will travel during Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the busiest Memorial Day travel periods on record. In Washington State alone, roughly 1.23 million Washingtonians are expected to travel, including nearly 1 million drivers on our roads and highways.
With more vehicles on the road comes a higher risk of serious collisions and delays. Memorial Day weekend consistently ranks among the deadliest driving weekends of the year nationwide, with traffic fatalities increasing during the holiday period due to distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, fatigue, and congestion. The National Safety Council estimates hundreds of people lose their lives in crashes over the Memorial Day holiday weekend each year.
Washington drivers should also be aware of another growing concern: uninsured motorists. Approximately 1 in 5 Washington drivers are uninsured, placing Washington among the states with some of the highest uninsured motorist rates in the country. That means even responsible drivers carrying insurance may still face significant financial and medical challenges after a collision caused by someone without adequate coverage.
Heavy traffic and travel delays are also expected throughout Washington during the holiday weekend. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) warns travelers to expect congestion on major corridors including Interstate 5, Interstate 90, US-2, SR-16, and at ferry terminals throughout the state. Washington State Ferries alone expects approximately 350,000 riders during the Memorial Day holiday period.
Before traveling, drivers should consider checking real-time traffic conditions, roadway construction updates, ferry schedules, and mountain pass information through resources like:
A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of serious injury during the busy holiday weekend:
- Avoid distracted driving, including texting while driving;
- Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs;
- Wear seatbelts at all times;
- Allow extra travel time and avoid aggressive driving;
- Stay alert for motorcycles, pedestrians, and emergency responders;
- Review your insurance coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Even when drivers do everything right, collisions can still happen because of another person’s negligence.
If you or someone you love is injured in a collision this Memorial Day weekend, the attorneys at Althauser Rayan Abbarno are here to help. Established in 1946, our firm has represented injured individuals and families throughout Washington State for generations. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a serious collision can be—from medical bills and lost wages to dealing with insurance companies and protecting your legal rights.
Our goal is simple: help our clients focus on recovery while we help guide them through the legal process.
This Memorial Day, we encourage everyone to travel safely, enjoy time with family and friends, and take time to remember the heroes who made those moments possible.
For a free consultation regarding an injury collision or insurance claim, contact the attorneys at Althauser Rayan Abbarno at (360) 736-1301 or visit CentraliaLaw.com. Serving Washington since 1946.
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