EDITORIAL: Take precautions, plan and pack your patience this weekend

Published 12:50 pm Wednesday, May 21, 2025

AAA predicts that 45.1 million people in the United States will travel at least 50 miles from home during the five days starting Thursday. That’s a 1.4 million increase from last year.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, were killed during the 2024 Memorial Day travel period.

If you are among the millions traveling this weekend, please take precautions, plan and pack plenty of patience to ensure you and other motorists make it safely.

AAA says it responded to more than 356,000 roadside emergencies during the 2024 holiday weekend. The most common calls were for flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts.

AAA recommends people check tires, inspect brakes, test the vehicle’s battery, replace wiper blades that streak or don’t clear the windshield thoroughly, check fluid levels and replenish the emergency kit before traveling.

Anyone who experiences car trouble should safely get to the nearest exit or stopping point, pull over as far away from traffic as possible, turn on hazard lights, call for help and stay with the vehicle, if possible, AAA says.

AAA also recommends following:

–Watch your speed – Speeding contributes to a third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Slow down and stay in control.

–Stay focused – Distracted driving kills thousands yearly. Avoid phone use, eating, or passenger distractions while driving.

–Don’t drive impaired – Alcohol and drugs compromise judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. If impaired, find a safe alternative.

–Stay alert – Fatigue is as dangerous as drunk driving. Take breaks every 100 miles or two hours to stay refreshed.

–Wear your seatbelt – Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injury and save lives in a crash. Buckle up, every trip, every time.

With many people preparing for travel and vacation plans and an influx of visitors coming to town to enjoy the lake, a heavier volume of traffic should be expected. Those who remain in town should also be mindful of visitors to the area who may not be as familiar with the landscape on area roadways. Those heading out of town this weekend should allot ample time for travel and, of course, plan ahead and prepare for busier roadways and traffic delays. Keep in mind also that there will be a heavier law enforcement presence and that roadside checks are a part of the summer travel season. While some people may view this as an inconvenience, we must all remember that the goal is to help save lives.

Even one life lost as a result of reckless driving, driving under the influence or driving while distracted is one too many, and one that can likely be prevented.