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If you stay on top of the news in Rohnert Park, it’s hard to read the local news pages or listen to local reports without hearing about the new casino set to open at the beginning of November. There have been extremely impassioned individuals on both sides of the issue since construction began, and now the end is in sight, with the $820 million Graton Casino scheduled to open on November 5. While we have customers who support and oppose the project, let’s focus on one issue that will probably affect everyone who comes into our auto body shop at some point: the new traffic. Here are some things you need to know about the new casino traffic, and how to deal with it.

How much traffic will there really be?
Local officials plan for roughly 6,000 people to visit the casino each day. City officials of Rohnert Park are currently making plans with emergency dispatchers and the California Highway Patrol to make sure that every contingency is covered. However, another report released on October 8th at the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors by Robert Marcucci, the former San Rafael fire chief, projected that there may be a much higher figure: roughly 40,800 additional vehicle trips on Highway 101 per day in the area surrounding the casino.

What do I need to watch for as a driver?
Marcucci’s report was also important for drawing parallels between the Graton Casino opening and the opening of a casino of comparable size north of Sacramento in 2003. He states that the roadways around the Sacramento-area casino saw a 92 percent increase in traffic, and more importantly a 600 percent increase in DUI-related arrests, perhaps another reason Rohnert Park officials are working diligently with California Highway Patrol. Remember, if you see a drunk driver, take note of the car’s make, model and license plate number if you can, but do not try to get too close, then call 911. Also make note of the location the car is headed in.

What is the most likely problem I’ll encounter?
Hopefully, your most likely issue will be slightly longer wait times while trying to reach a location on the 101. While frustrating, this won’t be dangerous. However, with a large amount of additional cars, there will probably be a predictable uptick in fender-benders – the curse of any California driver. If you are involved in an accident in the new casino traffic on Highway 101, follow the basic steps you would normally take after an accident. However, be particularly careful when taking pictures of the accident not to step into traffic. Also, remember that you have a right to have a say in where you get your car repaired, when dealing with your insurance company.