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The race to summer has begun.
Memorial Day
weekend signals the start of the season. And record
numbers of drivers are expected to hit Utah's
freeways.
Here are some driving tip that
could save you money and frustration.
The first
thing to do as you head for destination vacation this
weekend is buckle up. I know that's not a new
message, but troopers are using a new approach to
enforce it.
Buckled up or busted. That's the new, nationwide
campaign troopers will be out enforcing during
Memorial Day weekend. They hope drivers will learn
the importrance of seat belts on their own.
SGT. JEFF CHUGG/UHP: "BUT IF NOT,
SOMETIMES UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE TO
TAKE SOME ACTION TO ENSURE THAT
EVEN IF THEY DON'T WANT TO BE SAFE,
WE NEED THEM TO BE SAFE."
They'll issue tickets, not warnings, to drivers who
don't buckle up their children and themselves.
Many of us will be taking a hike close to home.
But if you're looking to go farther afield, you'd better plan ahead.
Because, no doubt, it'll be busy.
Talk about an embarrassment of riches.
Utahns looking for a nice holiday travel destination need only drive a few hours to Lake Powell, or seven national parks, or 44 state parks.
But these treasures are understandably popular and you can expect them to be busy.
Campgrounds at the national parks will be almost entirely full by Thursday night.
Same goes for state parks--the reservations have already been scooped up.
Deena Loyola/Utah State Parks and Recreation: "THEY SHOULD EXPECT CROWDS. THIS IS THE FIRST BIG HOLIDAY OF THE SEASON. EXPECT THE CAMPGROUNDS TO BE FULL. JUST PLAN TO MAYBE GO OUT FOR THE DAY. WE HAVE ALL KINDS OF EVENTS GOING ON STATEWIDE."
One thing you may want to know:
At Jordanelle State Park there's a temporary problem--no on-the-water gasoline facilities or boat pump-out station.
For the national parks, you may want to check out Arches or Canyonlands.
Word is the wildflowers this year are stunning.
If heading to Bryce or Zion, take advantage of their shuttle systems and park outside the entrance to avoid expected congestion.
Tips for Lake Powell: if swimming, don't swim near platforms at the end of houseboats to avoid dangerous emissions from motors.
And if camping on shore, you need a marine or portable toilet.
As for the roads, expect mostly smooth sailing with one major exception.
UDOT is doing roadwork on SR-6 through Spanish Fork Canyon.
Amanda Covington/UDOT: "WITH IT BEING ONE LANE BOTH WAYS AND THE TRAFFIC CONTROL THERE, IT CAN BE REAL SLOW. BEST ADVICE IS TO TAKE THE INTERSTATE AND HEAD ON DOWN SOUTH."
If you're boating, be sure to wear a life jacket.
And if you're doing anything outside wear sun protection and stay hydrated--drink plenty of water.
Basic information, but you'd be amazed how many folks forget.
Resources
Tips For Good Gas Mileage
Preventing Childhood Injuries
