Memorial Day Travel Safety Tips for Drivers

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Americans are gearing up to honor the nation's fallen heroes and enjoy the unofficial kickoff to summer. It’s a time for family gatherings, barbecues, parades—and for many, hitting the road. According to AAA, Memorial Day weekend consistently ranks as one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of drivers heading to their destinations.

At Kunes Auto Group, we want your Memorial Day to be both memorable and safe. Whether you're taking a short trip to a nearby park or a long-distance drive to visit family, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind during the holiday travel rush.

Traffic volumes can spike dramatically during Memorial Day weekend. Use navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze to check for congestion, road closures, or construction zones. Planning your route in advance can help you avoid stress and unexpected delays. It’s also a good idea to have a backup route in case of accidents or detours.

Pro Tip: Leave early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak traffic hours, typically Friday afternoon and Monday evening.

Before heading out, make sure your vehicle is road-ready. A simple inspection can prevent breakdowns and keep you safe:

• Tires: Check pressure and tread depth.
• Fluids: Top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Battery: Ensure your battery is in good condition and connections are tight.
• Brakes & Lights: Test headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.

Kunes Auto Group service centers offer multi-point inspections to give you peace of mind before your trip. Schedule an appointment with us and let our trained technicians make sure your car is ready for the road.

Seat belts are your first line of defense in the event of an accident. Ensure all passengers—front and back—are buckled up properly. If you’re traveling with young children, double-check that car seats and booster seats are installed correctly.

Did You Know? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45%.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially during holiday travel. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel:

• Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
• Use a hands-free device if you need to take a call.
• Program your GPS before you start driving.

Bonus Tip: If you're traveling with kids or pets, bring activities, snacks, and breaks to reduce distractions inside the car.

Fatigue can impair your driving as much as alcohol. Long road trips, especially after a long week, can lead to drowsy driving. Make sure you’re well-rested before starting your journey and take breaks every two hours or 100 miles.

If you’re feeling sleepy:

• Pull over to a safe area and rest.
• Switch drivers if possible.
• Grab a coffee or a quick snack to stay alert.

Speeding might seem like a good way to make up time, but it significantly increases your risk of a crash. Keep your speed in check, especially in unfamiliar areas or near construction zones. Memorial Day weekend often brings out more law enforcement officers conducting DUI and speed checks, so be cautious and respectful of the rules of the road.

With warmer weather, more people are out enjoying the roads on two wheels or on foot. Stay vigilant:

• Check blind spots carefully.
• Give motorcyclists plenty of space.
• Slow down in pedestrian-heavy zones.

Remember, sharing the road is everyone’s responsibility.

Memorial Day celebrations often involve alcohol. If you’re planning to drink, make arrangements in advance:

• Use a designated driver.
• Call a ride-share or taxi.
• Stay overnight at your destination.

Drive sober or get pulled over—it’s not just a campaign slogan; it’s about saving lives.

Even with the best planning, emergencies can happen. Keep a well-stocked kit in your vehicle that includes:

• First-aid supplies
• Flashlight and batteries
• Jumper cables
• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Phone charger
• Basic tools and a tire repair kit

A little preparation goes a long way toward handling the unexpected.

Holiday travel can test anyone’s patience. From traffic jams to unexpected delays, it’s important to stay calm and courteous behind the wheel. Aggressive driving and road rage only increase risk for everyone.

Keep your cool, give other drivers space, and remember—everyone is trying to get somewhere safely.

At Kunes Auto Group, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you're driving a brand-new vehicle from our lot or a trusty family SUV, following these tips can help ensure your Memorial Day travels are safe and enjoyable.