Photo Posted/Courtesy of ADOT
Plan for hot weather and be prepared for the unexpected if it’s a road trip
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, drivers should check the weather forecast, inspect their vehicles and prepare an emergency travel kit if they are traveling on Memorial Day weekend.
In good news for drivers, ADOT and its contractors will be closing all construction and maintenance roads along state highways from Friday afternoon May 26 through Monday evening May 29 to limit the impact on travel over the weekend. I didn’t.
ADOT still recommends early departure and extra time, especially during peak travel periods. Motorists must prepare for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents such as crashes, vehicle failures, and wildfires.
Your car emergency kit should include extra drinking water, blankets, first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, fully charged cell phone and charger, snacks, diapers if needed, and a small tool kit. must contain other items from
Be careful not to forget other important items such as prescription medications as this may delay your trip. Hats, sunglasses and parasols to help protect against rain and sun are also items to remember as the annual summer travel season begins.
Be prepared for changes in weather conditions, such as flying dust. Here are ADOT’s recommendations for safe driving on holiday weekends:
- Never drive while disabled.Buckle up and stick to the speed limit
- Arrange a designated driver or ride-hailing service as needed
- Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
- Get some rest before your trip.Fatigue is a serious safety risk
- Avoid distractions.Don’t send text messages while driving
- Do not park in areas with grass or bushes.Hot vehicle parts can cause fires
Drivers should slow down and be prepared to move when ADOT personnel or other first responders are on state highways. In addition to on-call maintenance personnel statewide, GEICO-sponsored ADOT Incident Response Units (IRUs) are on the highways in the Phoenix area of ​​Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. is patrolling. IRU operators assist state troopers and drivers in need. For more information on ADOT IRU, please visit: ADOT website.
Motorists should also slow down and merge safely when approaching or passing existing work zones.
