4 Things to Know As You Escape from Harrison for Memorial Day Weekend

HARRISON, NY — Getting away for Memorial Day? You're not alone. AAA predicts 39.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Memorial Day weekend — the highest volume since before the Great Recession.

To help you cope, here is some news and then there are some tips.

NY highway, bridge construction moratorium

Road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways are suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

Drive safely

Observe the Move Over law and remember, state and local police are conducting both a DWI Crackdown and a Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign.

Find the best gas prices

Here is Gas Buddy's list of gas prices in Westchester County. Click here to see Gas Buddy's database of best gas prices in New York (and use it to find good gas prices where ever you go.)

Beware of turtles crossing the road

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today reminded the public that the state's native turtles are on the move in May and June seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. Drivers that see a turtle on the road should use caution and should not swerve suddenly or leave their lane of travel, but take care to avoid hitting turtles while driving.
In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as the turtles migrate to their nesting areas. New York's 11 native species of land turtles are in decline, and turtles can take more than 10 years to reach breeding age. The reptiles lay just one small clutch of eggs each year, which means the loss of a breeding female can have a significant effect on the local turtle population.
This time of year, it is especially important to be on the lookout for turtles and to drive cautiously, particularly on roads near rivers and marshy areas. If a turtle is spotted on the road or near the shoulder, drivers should safely stop their vehicle and consider moving the turtle to the side of the road in the direction the reptile is facing.
Picking the turtle up by its tail may frighten or injure the reptile. Most turtles can be picked up by the side of their shells.
It's important to use extreme caution when moving snapping turtles; either pick the turtle up at the rear of the shell near the tail using two hands, or slide a car mat under the turtle to drag the turtle across the road. Do not take the turtle into personal possession. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be collected without a permit.

SEE ALSO:

• Memorial Day 2017: Services Planned Across The Hudson Valley
  
• Memorial Day Weekend Barbecuing Tips From Mighty Quinn's
  
• STOP-DWI Memorial Day Crackdown Underway in New York
  
• Memorial Day Weekend 2017: Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign

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