Travelers should expect lengthy delays this holiday weekend
By Rachelle Gines Staff Writer
Gilroy – The California Highway Patrol anticipates a large increase in traffic on Highway 101, particularly on the 10th Street and Leavesley Road exits starting today due to the Fourth of July weekend and Hollister’s unofficial Independence Rally,
Chris Armstrong, CHP public affairs officer, said those two exits are hot spots for traffic because tourists crowd the outlets and restaurants. What is usually a15 to 20 minute ride can last as long as three hours at the beginning of long holiday weekends.
“I definitely recommend that locals stay off the 101 and use alternate routes. Stay on Monterey, Santa Teresa or other streets parallel to the highway,” Armstrong said.
Since the 101 is the main route people already use to access the Bay Area, the holiday weekend and large numbers of motorcycles going to the Hollister’s event are reasons for motorists to be cautious, Armstrong said.
The CHP said a total of 61 people died on California roads during the last Fourth of July weekend, and that almost half of the people killed were not wearing seatbelts. However, the CHP added no one from South County died during last year’s holiday.
Armstrong emphasized motorists focus on the road ahead of them.
“If people need to use their cell phone, take care of their children, or anything, the safest thing is to exit at an off-ramp and take care of their business there,” Armstrong said. “Do not pull over just on the side of the road.”
Aside from causing traffic to slow down even further, people can be struck and killed on the side of the road whether they are inside or outside of their vehicle, he said.
“Anything on the side of the road causes increased congestion,” Armstrong said.
The CHP implemented a campaign targeting motorists not wearing seat belts and speeding drivers, Named the Summer of Heat, the campaign’s top priority is to keep drunken drivers off the road.
“If anyone sees a suspected DUI, they should call 911,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong added that people should call 911 if for emergencies such as crime, injury or road rage. He advised in other instances to call the necessary authorities, so that 911 lines don’t get backed up.
Though the Automobile Association of America cites the Fourth of July weekend as one of the busiest travel times in the nation, Armstrong said that is not the case for South County residents.
“Our busiest weekend is the Garlic Festival, and we are ready with a traffic plan,” Armstrong said.
The AAA offers its Tipsy Tow Program to both members and non-members from 6pm Tuesday until 6am Wednesday in Northern California and Nevada. Motorists will receive a free tow of up to seven miles, and a one-way ride for the vehicle and driver to the driver’s house.
Rachelle Gines is an intern attending San Francisco State University. Reach her at 847-7158 or rg****@gi************.com.
