Although holiday travel periods heighten the likelihood of crashes due to the increase in road users, the rise in alcohol consumption is also cause for concern.
Millions of Americans are gearing up to celebrate Labor Day. While the holiday weekend brings barbecues, parades, and end-of-summer fun, it also poses significant risks on the road.
Many commercial fleet drivers will remain hard at work even during the holiday. It’s essential to stress the importance of making smart and safe choices during holidays like Labor Day.
Increased Amount of Drivers Predicted to Travel
This year’s projected number of travelers on the road is up 9% compared to 2023, according to AAA data.
Although international trips are also common during this time, Vice President of Travel for AAA Debbie Haas confirms that regional road trips are the most popular option for families on Labor Day weekend, emphasizing the increased number of vehicles on the road over the holiday.
Car travelers should plan accordingly, as roads can become congested quickly. To avoid traffic caused by the combination of travelers and commuters, AAA suggests planning your driving time for early Friday morning unless you’re hitting the road on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon.
Travelers and commuters rolling out on Sunday and Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic. Give yourself more time to get to your destination. More road users means longer commute times.
Surge in Drunk Driving Incidents Expected
Although holiday travel periods heighten the likelihood of crashes due to the increase in road users, the rise in alcohol consumption is also cause for concern. The National Safety Council (NSC) predicts 457 lives will be lost in preventable travel crashes between 6:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 and 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2.
“Preventable traffic crashes claim far too many lives each year, and by following simple safety measures, we can all do our part to ensure a safer journey for everyone,” Mark Chung, vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC, said.
Like many holidays, drunk driving is a significant issue over Labor Day weekend, and fatalities from drunk driving spike by nearly a third.
Like many holidays, drunk driving is a significant issue over Labor Day weekend, and fatalities from drunk driving spike by nearly a third, according to a Truckinfo.net analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.
Historically, the majority of driving fatalities have occurred in rural areas. However, this trend reversed in 2017. Over the past decade, driving fatalities in urban areas has nearly doubled. At the same time, driving fatalities in rural areas have decreased by 17%.
If you have to work over the Labor Day weekend and celebrate the holiday in your off hours, give yourself enough time to sober up before getting behind the wheel.
According to NSC, other safety considerations include:
- Prepare before you go: Before hitting the road, ensure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check the oil, put air in the tires, and check for and repair open recalls.
- Buckle up: Lack of seat belt use is a top cause of crash fatalities.
- Slow down: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.
- Drive distraction-free: Put your phones away while driving and remain alert.
As you plan your Labor Day celebrations or plan to go to work, remember that prioritizing safety on the road is essential for ensuring a fun and accident-free holiday weekend.
