Ready To Hit The Highways This Weekend In Utah? You Won’t Be Alone

Well, here we are at Memorial Day weekend for 2025. Thousands of Americans will hit the road this weekend. Some will be off on a longer adventure using the extended weekend to start a longer vacation without having to burn up a day of vacation time by using the holiday. Others of us will load up and stay closer to home with a weekend camping trip or getaway to a not too distant resort. Either way, you likely won't be alone on the roads this weekend.

Last year on Memorial Day weekend, some 92,000 people visited Zion National Park itself, not counting all the other area attractions.

Personally, I love this time of the year simply because it does give me more opportunity to do something I love most, which is to hop in the car and take a drive.

But, since you and I will have a lot of company while we travel this holiday weekend, it might be good to review some of the things we can do to make sure we have a fun getaway, and return home safely. And, I'll also show you some of the roads in Utah that are most likely to a place where you could be involved in a crash.

Let's start with perhaps the most basic thing to do while you are driving. Actually, it's the thing you should not do while you are driving, and that is to be distracted. Your mobile device should not be in your hand while you are operating a vehicle. In Utah, that is against the law. It's also kind of foolish, if I may say so, in Utah or anywhere else. If you have hands free to answer calls, use that. If you are travelling with companions, let them take care of the texts.

Read More: Summertime Means It's Time To Head To The Mountains

But, mobile device use is not the only thing that can distract you. Fiddling with the entertainment center, checking the GPS, eating, even conversations can distract you from paying attention to the conditions around you. Stay focused.

Defensive driving is crucial—maintain a safe following distance, watch for sudden stops, and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle. Fatigue can also be dangerous, so take breaks on long trips and avoid driving when drowsy.

Make Sure You Have An Emergency Kit

And, if you do have a breakdown, or another type of emergency, here's a few things you should have on hand. A flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a basic first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, and a phone charger. A spare tire, jack, and tire iron are crucial for handling flat tires. Reflective triangles or road flares can increase your visibility if you break down on the roadside.

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Have a fun weekend, and enjoy the trip! Most of all, get home safe! And keep scrolling to see the roads in Utah that are more likely to be places for a crash.