Typically the last gasp of summer, the three-day Labor Day weekend, may be a quiet one this year as high fuel costs and the start of school reduce the number of people traveling the highways.
That's good news for the estimated 300,000 Nevadans who will be traveling more than 50 miles from home, according to AAA Nevada.
There was a time when 50 miles was a trip to the grocery store or the movies for many Nevadans. Now it's a nice day trip to any one of the many attractions we're fortunate enough to have near.
Labor Day is a good weekend for a short family outing, and the Monday holiday itself is the best time to go anywhere close because people will be leaving.
But whether touring the countryside or staying close to home, we ask that our readers remember there is a fine line between a great time and a disaster.
Driving is a job that requires full attention, despite the obvious distractions of a vehicle full of people, cell phones, DVDs and music players.
But so is barbecuing, working on the house or hiking in the wilderness.
A little bit of preparation and caution can ensure everyone makes it through the weekend alive and ready to enjoy another beautiful western Nevada fall.
See you in September.
