AAA prepares motorists for Memorial Day travel

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — As drivers are expected to hit the roads this week for the Memorial Day weekend, nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 483,000 stranded motorists, during the holiday weekend.

Representatives say the three most common reasons for someone to become stranded are flat tires, dead batteries, and being locked outside of your vehicle.

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AAA says motorists should get their vehicles professionally inspected before travel to avoid any breakdowns on the roads. Additionally, representatives say the best times to travel would be before Friday or early Friday morning versus during the day.

“This Friday the 26th before Memorial Day so we stress leave early morning or if you can’t leave early morning, try hitting the road in the evening so that’s any time after 6 p.m. because again that helps with congestion," AAA Spokesperson Montrae Waiters said.

The company estimates that about 1.1 million Georgians will be traveling for the holiday and Waiters says it's important for everyone to remain patient.

“Whether it’s me, you, or family members that are going to be traveling this holiday and if they’re stranded on the side of the road, we want to make sure they’re safe too," Waiters said. "So, move over to an adjacent lane if you see stranded motorists on the side of the road and if you can’t get over, slow down."

Here are a few safety tips for Memorial Day travel:

• Preparing your vehicle is one thing. It’s also important that drivers are personally ready to focus on the road. AAA provides the following safe driving habits, as a reminder for drivers:
• Watch your speed – For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Be sure to drive the speed limit and lower your speed if conditions warrant.
• Watch the road – Distracted drivers kill thousands of people every year. Taking eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash. Potential distractions include cell phone use, eating, drinking, or interacting with other passengers. Focusing on the road enables drivers to spot and avoid potential hazards that could otherwise lead to a crash.
• Rest up – Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. AAA recommends drivers get plenty of rest before a big road trip. During a drive, take breaks every 100 miles or two hours. Motorists should pull over if they find themselves getting tired.
• Drive Sober – Drugs and alcohol negatively impact the important brain functions needed for driving safely: judgment, motor skills, memory, and reaction time. AAA urges everyone to avoid driving after ingesting any substance that could impair their ability to drive.