Memorial Day Driving: What Every NJ Driver Should Know Before Hitting the Road
- Adam Overmyer
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and this year, the weather may make driving conditions even more difficult across much of the East Coast. Forecasters are calling for periods of rain throughout Saturday and Sunday, with some areas expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of rainfall during one of the heaviest travel weekends of the summer season.
For many families in New Jersey, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer — trips down the shore, backyard gatherings, road trips, and long weekends away. But between congested highways, distracted drivers, poor visibility, standing water, and wet road conditions, holiday travel can quickly become stressful or even dangerous.
Last weekend, our office manager experienced this firsthand after getting stranded on I-95 for several hours before a police officer was finally able to stop and help coordinate a tow truck. What started as a normal drive quickly turned into a stressful situation sitting alongside heavy highway traffic with limited options for help.
Thankfully, she was okay, but it served as a strong reminder of how important it is to prepare before heading out on busy holiday weekends — especially when severe traffic and poor weather are expected.
Holiday Weekends Often Mean More Accidents and Breakdowns
Memorial Day weekend consistently brings some of the highest traffic volumes of the year. Roads like the Garden State Parkway, NJ Turnpike, and I-95 become heavily congested as drivers head toward vacation destinations, shore towns, and family gatherings.
Unfortunately, more traffic also means:
More rear-end accidents
Increased distracted driving
Aggressive lane changes
Vehicle breakdowns
Tire blowouts
Overheated engines
Longer response times for tow trucks and roadside assistance
Heavy rain can make these situations even worse. Wet pavement reduces traction, increases stopping distances, and makes visibility more difficult — especially at highway speeds.
Many drivers do not realize how overwhelmed roadside assistance services can become during major holiday weekends until they are already stranded.
Before You Leave, Check These Items On Your Vehicle
Before heading out for Memorial Day weekend, it is worth spending a few minutes checking over your vehicle.
Tires
Check:
Tire pressure
Tread depth
Signs of cracking or uneven wear
Rainy conditions combined with worn tires can significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Battery
Long traffic delays and summer heat can expose weak batteries quickly. If your battery has been slow to start or is older, now may be a good time to replace it.
Fluids
Check:
Oil
Coolant
Brake fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Rainy driving conditions make visibility critical, and many drivers run out of washer fluid at the worst possible time.
Brakes
If your brakes are squeaking, vibrating, or taking longer to stop, do not ignore it before a long holiday drive.
Wiper Blades
Many drivers overlook this one. Worn wipers during heavy rain can make driving extremely dangerous.
What Should You Keep In Your Car?
One of the biggest lessons from roadside emergencies is how unprepared many drivers are when something actually goes wrong.
A few items that are smart to keep in your vehicle:
Phone charger or battery pack
Flashlight
Bottled water
Blanket
Small first aid kit
Reflective triangles or flares
Umbrella or rain jacket
Snacks
Emergency contact information
Even something as simple as keeping your phone charged can make a major difference during a roadside emergency.
Do You Actually Have Towing Coverage?
Many people assume towing and roadside assistance are automatically included with their auto insurance policy, but that is not always the case.
Depending on the company and policy:
Towing coverage may be optional
There may be mileage or dollar limits
Rental reimbursement may not apply to mechanical breakdowns
Reimbursement procedures can vary
Some drivers only discover these gaps after they are already sitting on the side of the road waiting for help.
Not Sure What Your Auto Insurance Actually Covers?
Before heading out for summer travel, now is a good time to review your auto insurance coverage to make sure you have the protection you expect if something goes wrong on the road.
Many drivers are surprised to learn they may not have:
Towing coverage
Rental reimbursement
Roadside assistance
Adequate liability limits
Umbrella protection
The Overmyer Insurance Agency can help review your current coverage and compare options with the companies we partner with.
Rain and Holiday Traffic Can Be A Dangerous Combination
Heavy rain during high-volume travel weekends creates conditions where accidents can happen quickly.
Drivers should:
Slow down during heavy rain
Increase following distance
Avoid sudden braking
Use headlights properly
Avoid distracted driving
Never use cruise control during severe rain
Hydroplaning can occur even at moderate speeds when water builds up faster than tires can disperse it.
What To Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
If your vehicle becomes disabled on the highway:
Move as far off the roadway as possible
Turn on hazard lights immediately
Stay inside the vehicle if conditions are unsafe
Contact roadside assistance or emergency services
Keep your phone charged if possible
Be cautious accepting help from strangers
During holiday weekends, response times can be delayed significantly due to the number of active incidents and traffic congestion.
Memorial Day Is Also A Good Reminder To Review Liability Coverage
Holiday weekends also bring increased exposure on the road due to:
Heavy traffic
Out-of-state drivers
Distracted driving
Teen drivers
Increased accident frequency
Many families have not reviewed their liability limits or umbrella insurance coverage in years.
A serious accident can quickly exceed minimum auto liability limits, especially when multiple vehicles or injuries are involved.
Do You Have Enough Liability Protection?
An umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability protection above your underlying auto and homeowners insurance policies.
This type of coverage has become increasingly important as accident costs, lawsuits, and medical expenses continue to rise.
Final Thoughts
Thankfully, our office manager made it home safely after her experience on I-95, but it was a reminder that holiday travel does not always go according to plan.
With heavy traffic and significant rainfall expected across the East Coast this Memorial Day weekend, a little preparation can go a long way toward avoiding unnecessary stress and helping keep your family safer on the road.
If you have questions about your auto insurance, roadside assistance coverage, towing coverage, or umbrella liability protection, feel free to reach out to our team anytime.
Safe travels and have a safe Memorial Day weekend.
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