Memorial Day weekend 2022: The absolute worst time to start driving, plus more travel tips
Are you driving out of Phoenix this Memorial Day weekend but are worried about the crowds on the road? It is totally understandable.
Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest driving periods of the year in Arizona. It’s a long weekend for a lot of people, many schools are out and families are ready to kick off their summer adventures.
To help make your road trip memorable for all the right reasons, here are some travel tips that you can follow before you pack up the car and rush out the door.
Last-minute getaways: Best Arizona road trips for Memorial Day weekend
Is your car ready for a road trip?
Before you head out on a long drive, the Arizona Department of Transportation recommends anticipating what you'll need if you encounter a driving emergency and making sure your vehicle is road-ready.
"We recommend drivers do some advance preparations, including checking tire pressure and engine oil levels," ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said in an email.
"Expect the unexpected. You should pack an emergency kit that includes extra water, blankets, a flashlight and snacks in case you find yourself in a situation with an unscheduled closure. That might be because of a disabled vehicle, a crash or even a wildfire. Pack things that will help keep you comfortable if you’re in stopped traffic for a while."
ADOT recommends packing the following items for safety and comfort on long drives:
Water.
Blankets: Can be used to sit on outside if your car breaks down, or for warmth if you get stuck somewhere cold.
Nonperishable food.
Fully charged mobile devices and power cables to charge your phone in your vehicle.
Extra set of clothes and a jacket if traveling to higher elevations.
First-aid kit.
Road-trip ready? How to prep your car for a hot summer drive
Prepare for heavy traffic on I-17, SR 87
ADOT expects a lot of traffic on the highways to the higher elevations as people head to Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson and Show Low, as well as out of state. Traffic will start to increase Thursday night, and by lunchtime on Friday the freeways, especially Interstate 17, will be crammed with motorists.
"We’ll have our share of people using I-8 or I-10 to California and the beaches," Nintzel said. "It’s important to avoid excessive speeding, stay focused and avoid distractions such as texting while driving."
There is this bit of good news, however: There will be no scheduled construction work along state highways, including Phoenix-area freeways.
Real-time Arizona traffic updates
Travelers can keep tabs on traffic and road conditions with the latest information from ADOT:
ADOT Alerts app: Download ADOT Alerts from your app store to get real-time traffic updates and road conditions. You can opt in to receive alerts based on your location.
Twitter: The ADOT Twitter account is managed by a 24/7 operations center that monitors conditions on Arizona state highways and interstates.
az511: Visit https://www.az511.com for real-time updates and freeway/highway camera feeds.
Exclusive: What is Arizona's wildfire outlook for summer 2022?
Know the latest Arizona fire restrictions
Ready to get off the road and set up camp? You can’t just spark a fire anywhere to grill your meal, cook those s’mores or keep warm.
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place in all six of Arizona's national forests as well as at some national parks and other federally managed lands. Under Stage 2 restrictions all wood and charcoal fires are prohibited, and other measures are in effect.
Here's our guide to current Arizona fire restrictions.
Wildfire map: Track where fires are burning in Arizona in 2022
You can connect with Arizona Republic culture and outdoors reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Memorial Day 2022: Arizona traffic tips, fire restrictions
