Ensure a Secure and Cautious Journey during the Labor Day Holiday Weekend with these Safety Precautions
Labor Day Road Safety: National Safety Council Urges Caution
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, the National Safety Council (NSC) is urging everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. The holiday period, which begins at 6 p.m. on August 30 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on September 2, is a time when many people travel, increasing the risk of motor vehicle crashes.
Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC, emphasizes the importance of safety measures to prevent traffic crashes. According to the NSC, by following simple safety measures, everyone can do their part to ensure a safer journey during the Labor Day weekend.
The NSC's top recommendations for Labor Day holiday road safety include:
- Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
- If you have been drinking, use a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation instead of driving.
- Drive cautiously and with increased awareness during the holiday period to prevent crashes.
- Wear seat belts. The NSC estimates that 152 lives may be saved by front-seat occupants wearing seat belts, and an additional 108 deaths could be prevented if everyone wore them.
The Labor Day weekend sees a high percentage of crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers—36% of traffic fatalities during this period involve impaired driving. To combat this, the NSC advises drivers to share the road responsibly and prioritize safety.
Law enforcement efforts like sobriety checkpoints and DUI patrols, conducted alongside awareness campaigns such as those by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), support these safety recommendations. The goal of the NSC's message is to ensure that everyone makes it home safely to their loved ones during the Labor Day weekend.
Preventable traffic crashes claim many lives each year, according to the National Safety Council. The NSC estimates that 457 lives may be lost in preventable motor vehicle crashes during the Labor Day holiday period from August 30 to Sept. 2. The NSC's advice aims to reduce the estimated 424 deaths predicted for the 2025 Labor Day weekend traffic crashes and to mitigate the highest-risk roadway season conditions.
Stay safe on the roads this Labor Day weekend and remember, your actions can make a difference.
