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) predicts 424 deaths, down 7% from 2024, and 48,400 injuries from preventable traffic crashes nationwide during the holiday weekend, which begins Friday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. 

What to Know Before Hitting the Road

The American Red Cross recommends that all travelers by car get rest and stay alert, exercise caution in work zones, and keep a first aid kit in the vehicle.

Transportation-data provider INRIX reported the best and worst times to hit the road:

Before starting a trip, you should always check the vehicle's oil needs and put air in the tires. Vehicle owners can take an extra step of precaution by checking for and addressing 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 wearing a seatbelt. 

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

• Fatal injury by 45% 

• Moderate to critical injury by 50%

Buckling up in a light truck can reduce the risk of:

• Fatal injury by 60% 

• Moderate to critical injury by 65% 

Quick Tips for On-the-Road Safety from NSC

1. Prepare before you go: Before hitting the road, make sure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check the oil, inflate the tires, and inspect for and address any open recalls.

2. Drive distraction-free: Thousands have died in crashes involving cell phone use.

3. Slow down: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit and do not exceed it. Be sure to pay attention to those walking and biking to keep all road users safe.

4. Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation: Alcohol, opioids, marijuana, and some over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness, alter visual functions, and affect mental judgment and motor skills. 

5. Avoid fatigued driving: Drowsy driving is impaired driving. Getting behind the wheel while fatigued can be deadly. Ensure you are well-rested before hitting the road.

6. Buckle up: Seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives. Every occupant should buckle up properly.

7. Understand your vehicle’s on-board safety systems: Hundreds of millions of cars have safety technologies that help reduce the risk of crashes and deaths. However, even the most advanced safety feature cannot replace a safe and focused driver in the car.

8. Watch for all road users: Bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other road users may be more common this holiday weekend. Respect all road users and give everyone around you space to be safe. 

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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