Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. For families across Virginia, that means loading up the car and heading east—toward the sand, surf, and boardwalks of Virginia Beach or the quiet charm of North Carolina's Outer Banks. AAA Mid-Atlantic projects that nearly 1.2 million Virginians will travel 50 miles or more over Memorial Day weekend.
That's a lot of cars on a lot of familiar roads: I-64, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and the two-lane highways of northeastern North Carolina.
At Kalfus & Nachman, we want your holiday weekend to be stress-free. But we also know that holiday travel brings more traffic, more stress, and more distractions. That's why we've put together this Memorial Day travel checklist—to help you arrive safely and enjoy every moment of your well-earned vacation.
Start with a Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Check
The best way to avoid a roadside emergency is to prevent one. Before you point the car toward the ocean, take a few minutes to check:
- Tire pressure and tread: The drive to the Outer Banks or Virginia Beach involves highway speeds and, once you arrive, sandy parking lots. Properly inflated tires handle better and are less likely to blow out on hot pavement. Check your spare tire too.
- Fluids and belts: Topping off your oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid takes five minutes and can save you hours of waiting for a tow truck. Have your radiator, air conditioning system, belts, and hoses checked before hot weather arrives.
- Emergency kit: Even well-maintained vehicles break down. Pack a gallon of drinking water, jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, and a first-aid kit. If you're traveling with children, bring books, snacks, and activities to keep them occupied during unexpected delays.
- Know before you go: Check road-conditions and construction projects before leaving. In the Hampton Roads area, tune to AM 1680 for tunnel information within a five-to-seven-mile radius of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Downtown Tunnel. VDOT's weekly traffic alerts can help you avoid lane closures on the bridges and interstates.
The Human Factor: Fatigue, Patience, and Seasonal Traffic
The road to relaxation is paved with good intentions—and, on Memorial Day weekend, heavy congestion.
- Get plenty of rest before traveling. Studies suggest that drivers who sleep less than six hours a night significantly increase their risk of being involved in a crash. A sleepy driver is a dangerous driver, especially on long, monotonous stretches of highway. To combat driver fatigue on the road, stop at a safety rest area for a 15-minute break every two to three hours.
- Expect the unexpected. Memorial Day weekend historically marks the start of the busy beach season. Lifeguards come on duty at Virginia Beach's Oceanfront starting Memorial Day weekend. That means more pedestrians, more cyclists, and more drivers unfamiliar with local roads. Be patient, put the phone down, and give everyone extra space.
What Happens If You're Injured While Traveling?
One of the most stressful aspects of a vacation accident is being far from home. You're dealing with injuries, possibly a damaged vehicle, and an unfamiliar legal system.
Here's what you need to know:
- You can file a claim in Virginia even if you live out of state. Virginia courts have jurisdiction over car accidents that occur within the state's borders, regardless of where the involved parties reside.
- Virginia's two-year statute of limitations applies. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly—witnesses return home, surveillance footage gets deleted, and memories fade. Acting promptly is essential.
- An attorney can help you navigate the logistics. If you're injured and can't travel, a Virginia Beach car accident attorney can meet you at your home, hospital, or another convenient location to discuss your case.
Travel Smart, Stay Protected
We want your holiday weekend to stay happy and stress-free. But if the unexpected does happen—and you or a loved one gets hurt while traveling—Kalfus & Nachman is here to help you sort through the mess. We’ll handle the tricky parts of filing an out-of-town claim, so you can focus on what really matters: getting back to feeling like yourself. Call us for a free consultation today: 855-880-8163
