Welcome to town, Scouts and families! We are thrilled to have you here in Fayette County for the National Scout Jamboree.
To help keep your trip stress-free and running smoothly, we’ve put together a handy guide to driving these hills like a local. Following these unwritten rules of the road will keep you safe, help you blend right in, and avoid the exact things that tend to drive the locals crazy.
7 Driving Rules to Know Before You Get Here
Drop a Tire on Small Roads
Our secondary back roads can get incredibly tight, especially if you are driving a large passenger van or towing a gear trailer. If you find yourself passing another vehicle on a narrow stretch, it is standard practice to drop your outside tires slightly onto the gravel shoulder to give the oncoming driver plenty of room to pass safely.
Download Your Maps Ahead of Time
While cell service is generally good along major corridors like Route 19, it can drop out completely the second you drop down into the New River Gorge canyon or head back into the deeper hollows toward camp access points. Download your driving maps for the area to your phone ahead of time so you do not get lost when the signal disappears.
Watch Out for Wildlife at Dusk and Dawn
Our mountains are full of wildlife, and deer are a constant hazard on local roads, especially around sunrise and sunset. If you see one deer cross the road, always slow down and assume there are two or three more right behind it. They tend to travel in groups and will jump out unexpectedly.
The West Virginia Wave
Politeness goes a long way around here. If someone lets you out into traffic, slows down to let you pass on a narrow stretch, or gives you the right-of-way, give them a friendly wave to say thank you. It is a quick gesture that keeps everyone in good spirits.
No Bumper Riding or Weaving
We do not ride bumpers or cut in and out of traffic around here. Tailgating on mountain inclines or steep declines is incredibly dangerous, especially for heavier vehicles that need extra time to brake. Pick your lane, maintain a safe following distance, and enjoy the scenery at a steady pace.
Merge Early at Roadwork Zones
If you have driven by the New River Gorge Bridge recently, you already know we have some active roadwork and merging lanes right now. A major local pet peeve is drivers who speed past the warning signs and wait until the absolute last second to force their way into the correct lane. Merging late causes highway accidents.
Support the Community That Hosts You
Welcoming thousands of extra vehicles onto our roads takes a lot of patience from the people who live and work here year-round. The local families you share the highway with are the very same people who own and operate the shops, restaurants, and services across Fayette County & beyond.
The absolute best way to show your gratitude to your local hosts is to leave the Summit Bechtel Reserve grounds when you can and actively support local business. Grab your morning coffee at a local spot, take the troop out for a sit-down dinner in town, and buy your souvenirs from small shops in Oak Hill and Fayetteville. When you choose to spend your dollars directly with local businesses, you are directly supporting the community that opens its doors to you every year.
Drive Safely and Know Who to Call
Whether you are navigating a tricky merge on Route 19 or driving a loaded rig down the access roads to the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the rolling hills can put a lot of extra strain on your vehicle.
If you run into any unexpected trouble, a flat tire on the highway, a broken safety chain, or a mechanical issue on a steep incline, the team at DTE Repair and Towing is always ready to help. Operating out of Oak Hill just 7 minutes from Summit, we provide reliable 24/7 towing (light & heavy-duty) and complete auto repairs for vehicles of all sizes to ensure a little breakdown does not derail your vacation. Keep our number on hand, have a fantastic time at the Jamboree, and travel safely!
