It's fairly common to see people embarking on a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend. With summer weather finally arriving and many people across the U.S. eager to take advantage of their extra day off, motorists are heading out in droves to reach family barbecues or enjoy beach stays. This influx of travelers means that the roads should be pretty congested during the weekend, and drivers need to be aware of what's going on to make sure they stay safe at all times. 

According to traffic information provider INRIX, the number of road trippers during the weekend will increase by 4 percent. Many of these drivers will set out to reach their destination Friday, May 24, around 1 p.m. The bulk of these travelers are going to return Monday, May 27, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so drivers may want to avoid these times to stay away from the heaviest congestion. 

"Nothing is more frustrating than starting a holiday weekend sitting in traffic," said Jamie Holter, a traffic analyst with INRIX. "Knowing exactly what to expect and how to avoid major delays will help you spend less time on the road and more time at your destination." 

Drivers should also be sure to have their routes mapped out before they depart, and they can make their schedules flexible in case they run into trouble. Vehicles should also be given a tune up before the weekend to ensure that all parts of the car are in top shape. 

If you need a used car to help you reach your destination this weekend or want to make sure your current ride is ready to handle a road trip, make a visit to NJ State Auto Auction. It has a number of CARFAX-certified vehicles that could be just right for your next purchase, as well as the Total Car Care Center that can make sure any automobile is in fine working condition.