Is it Dangerous to Drive Over Labor Day Weekend?

Yes, Labor Day Weekend starting with the Thursday before the holiday is one of the most dangerous and deadly times to drive. The National Safety Council projects that 418 people may die on U.S. roads on Labor Day.

The 5 reasons for the high death rate for vehicle accidents on Labor Day are from:

• Fatigued Driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published an estimate in 2017 finding that 91,000 studied crash reports were due to drowsy drivers.
• Traffic Congestion. The National Library of Medicine published a study on congestion which found that congestion causes an increase in accidents as traffic volume of vehicles and congestion rises.
• Speeding. The National Safety Council published a study from 2022 finding that 29% of all traffic fatalities that year were from speeding which was the top cause of death for 12,151 people killed in 2022.
• Failing to Sleep. The AAA re published studies from the World Health Organization that indicate that drivers sleeping less than 5 hours a night are almost 5 times more likely to be involved in a sleep or fatigue related crash.
• Distracted Driving. The NHTSA found in 2022 that at least 3,308 people were killed by distracted drivers.

Tips to stay safe when driving over Labor Day Weekend are:

• Stop Every 8 Hours to Rest. Driving continuously all day long without rest leads to severe motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury and death.
• Get a Motel. Plan your route of travel and book motels to stop at along the way.
• Avoid Alcohol. Alcohol reduces senses and perception and reaction times to hazards on the highways. Always designate a designated driver to be safe.
• Drive Slow. Take your time to drive with frequent rest stops so you make it to your ultimate destination.
• Buckle Up. The CDC publishes that wearing seat belts is the single most important way to protect adults and children in motor vehicle crash.

The car accident lawyers and truck accident attorneys at Bull Attorneys, P.A. and Truck Accident Lawyers Group are experienced personal injury attorneys who are compassionate counselors who work for free unless we win. Call us at 316-684-4400 for a free consultation.