Planes, Trains and Automobiles

The frenetic rush to get out of town for Memorial Day weekend began Friday as holiday travelers jammed airports, freeways, campsites, bus stations, train depots and waterways.

Transportation officials and travel experts urged celebrants to take precautions as they kick off the traditional start of summer.

“More Californians will travel long distances this weekend despite the fact that the average gallon of gas is 31 cents higher than last year,” said Jeffrey Spring, a spokesman for the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“Because increased traffic also increases the possibility of collisions,” he said, “we’re reminding motorists and their passengers to make safety their first priority.”

Airport officials across Southern California advised air passengers to arrive at the terminal an hour before scheduled departures, carry photo identification and travel light.

Officials also cautioned travelers to prepare for delays by calling ahead to check flight arrival and departure times, dressing comfortably and packing snacks, water and toys to help youngsters pass the time.

At Los Angeles International Airport, about 575,000 travelers are expected to crowd the terminal each day between Friday and Monday, up from a norm of 165,000, said Scott Read, an airport spokesman.

More than 15,000 passengers are expected to move through the Burbank Airport terminal each day of the long holiday weekend, nearly one-quarter more than the average number of passengers, said Sean McCarthy, an airport spokesman.

Van Nuys Airport officials said the 2,000-space parking lot for its FlyAway shuttle bus service was full by 6 a.m. Friday. However, drop-offs were still welcome, officials said.

The shuttle bus makes 98 daily round trips from the Woodley Avenue at Saticoy Street depot to LAX. Round-trip fares are $6 for adults and $3.50 for children.

To stay safe on the freeways, the Automobile Club recommends that drivers and passengers always wear seat belts and place children in weight- and age-appropriate restraints in the back seat.

“A serious traffic crash can happen to even the most skillful driver,” said Arline Dillman, the Automobile Club’s traffic safety manager. “The likelihood of being injured in a traffic crash increases dramatically if drivers and passengers aren’t wearing safety belts.”

Some 2,444 people were killed in traffic crashes in 1997, Dillman said, citing state crash statistics. Of that number, 1,273 were not wearing safety belts.

While Caltrans expects traffic snarls around airports and on roads leading to popular destinations, officials said construction crews won’t add to the gridlock.

“We have suspended road construction over the weekend to make the commutes easier,” said Joe Brazile, an agency spokesman. “In Los Angeles, we expect things to move exceptionally well unless there is an emergency.”

The California Highway Patrol stepped up freeway patrols between 6 p.m. Friday and midnight Monday, said Sgt. Ernie Sanchez, a CHP Southern Division spokesman. Officers will be looking for impaired drivers and those not wearing seat belts.

Memorial Day revelry is sure to extend to area waterways and campsites, officials said.

Automobile Club officials encourage watercraft enthusiasts to practice safety out on the high seas.

“People can get caught up in the fun and excitement of water activities and forget to put safety first,” said Ray Trevethan, the club’s group manager for insurance claims. “Water safety doesn’t require a lot of time and effort--just some caution and common sense.”

Trevethan advised boaters to avoid alcohol before operating watercraft, wear life vests and make sure the watercraft is mechanically sound.

U.S. Forest Service officials reported that campsites in the Angeles National Forest’s ranger districts nearest the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Antelope and San Gabriel valleys could easily be filled by noon today. Park rangers encouraged campers to select alternate sites.

Whether celebrants are in the mountains, valleys, deserts, beaches or backyards, they can expect the weather to cooperate with their plans.

Forecasters predict early morning low clouds and fog followed by partial clearing in the afternoon today through Monday, said Guy Ryan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 75 degrees in downtown Los Angeles today, Ryan said. On Sunday and Monday, highs are expected to range from the mid- to upper-60s.

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MEMORIAL DAY FARE: Area events include parades, fairs and commemorations. B3