Safety Tips for Labor Day Weekend

While the Labor Day weekend is usually a time for people to get away and unwind, it's also a time when drivers should be extra cautious on the road.

The National Safety Council (NSC) has projected 457 deaths and more than 50,000 injuries from preventable traffic crashes nationwide during the holiday weekend, which begins Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. 

What to Know Before Hitting the Road

The American Red Cross warns travelers starting their drive on Thursday or Friday before Labor Day to expect heavy traffic with higher commuter volumes. To avoid congestion, drivers should consider leaving before the morning rush hour or in the evening.

Transportation-data provider INRIX reported that the worst traffic on Thursday is likely between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and on Friday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Saturday, the busiest times are expected between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. For the return trip on Monday, traffic is expected to be heavy all day, especially between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Before starting a trip, the vehicle's oil needs be checked and air should be put in the tires. Vehicles owners can an extra step of precaution by checking for and taking care of open recalls. See a recent list of recalls at Government Fleet. 

And while seat belts may seem obvious, it's still important to remind all passengers to buckle up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half of all car accidents that result in serious injury or death occur within 25 miles of home. About 52% of accidents happen within five miles of home. That means even short trips require putting on a seat belt. 

The NHTSA reported that buckling up in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce risk of:

• Fatal injury by 45% 
• Moderate to critical injury by 50%

Buckling up in a light truck can reduce risk of:

• Fatal injury by 60% 
• Moderate to critical injury by 65% 

Quick Tips for On-the-Road Safety from NSC

1. Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation: Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, including opioids, marijuana, and some over-the-counter medicines, can cause drowsiness, alter visual functions, and affect mental judgment and motor skills.
2. Slow down: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit or below if conditions dictate. Be sure to pay close attention to those walking and biking to keep all road users safe.
3. Drive distraction-free: Thousands have died in car crashes involving distractions, such as cell phone use. Put phones away and #JustDrive. 
4. Look before locking: Pediatric vehicular heatstroke is still the leading cause of non-crash motor vehicle-related fatality for children. So far in 2024, it’s reported 23 children in the U.S. have died because of this preventable tragedy. 

Want to Do More for Safety On and Off the Road?

Learn more about the Safe System Approach by joining the Road to Zero Coalition. Managed by the National Safety Council, the Coalition has released a report detailing strategies to end roadway deaths in the U.S. by 2050. 

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