The American Automobile Association (AAA) is projecting a 7% increase in travel volume for the holiday weekend compared to last year, according to the organization’s annual travel forecast released Monday. All in all, the AAA expects 42.3 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home for the long weekend — 2.7 million more than in 2022.
This is good for families and good for the economy.. Many people are still struggling in this economy, with these gas prices, but they are prioritizing experiences and adventures. We hope people have fun with their families and remember to be safe. Unfortunately, a lot of accidents with so people on the road; excited to finally get out of the house and travel. We want people to remember to drive safely and plan their trip in advance so they don’t feel rushed.
Peter Abbarno, Attorney with Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Centralia, WA
Already through May 26, 2023 the Washington State Department of Transportation reports over 10,762 collisions with 202 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries. Included in the statistics were over 350 pedestrian collisions with 42 fatalities; 100 bicyclist collisions with two fatalities; and 180 crashes involving a motorcycle with 24 fatalities.
For those who are traveling in the State of Washington, consult the WSDOT Memorial Day weekend traffic volume charts to determine best times to travel on key routes. Due to the closure of the US-Canadian border to non-essential travel, there will not be travel charts for the border crossing. Travelers should also check ahead for any COVID-19 safety requirements at their destinations or stops along the way.
Plan ahead by following these steps, travelers can “know before they go” and plan ahead, whether they’re just traveling across town or across the state:
- Get informed about WSDOT’s online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.
- Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather and ferry schedules.
- Follow WSDOT’s social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
- Pre-program your vehicle radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
- Call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions.
- Have a backup outdoor location if your first choice is full and never park along road shoulders, as this is unsafe for everyone on the roadway.
- Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing or distraction.
- Carry extra food and water as well as extra masks and hand sanitizer as an added precaution for emergencies or unexpected stops.
It is important to take your time when traveling and plan ahead; especially during a busy holiday weekend. If you are unable to avoid a collision, be sure to call law enforcement to make an accurate report, go to the doctor or emergency room if you are injured and follow up with your medical providers, call your insurance to report the collision; and lastly, seek legal counsel for information on how to proceed. Most injury lawyers, like Althauser Rayan Abbarno, offer free consultations.
Peter Abbarno is an attorney with Althauser Rayan Abbarno with offices is Olympia and Centralia, WA.
Need an Attorney?
The Attorneys and Staff with Althauser Rayan Abbarno wish you and your family a safe Memorial Day holiday. If you are involved in a collision, call our attorneys for a FREE Consultation in Olympia or Centralia at (360) 736-1301 or visit www.CentraliaLaw.com
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