AUGUST 18, 2025
Labor Day 2025 Driving: Why the Roads Are More Dangerous — and 7 Ways to Keep Your Family Safe
By Bradley A. Pistotnik, Bull Attorneys — Car Accident Lawyers Serving Kansas and Beyond
Labor Day 2025 (Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1) marks the unofficial end of summer. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous travel weekends of the year. Traffic congestion, alcohol use, fatigue, and risky driving behaviors all contribute to a higher chance of serious car accidents.
As an experienced Kansas car accident attorney, I want families to understand the risks and take proactive steps to stay safe on the road this holiday weekend.
Why Labor Day weekend is so risky
- High traffic volumes: Millions of Americans travel, especially in the afternoon and evening, creating heavy congestion.
- Alcohol-related crashes: In 2023, 511 people were killed on U.S. roads during Labor Day weekend, and 36% of those deaths involved a drunk driver.
- Reckless behaviors: Speeding, distracted driving, and drowsy driving remain leading causes of fatal crashes nationwide.
7 Safety Methods to Protect Your Family on the Road
1) Plan a sober ride
Drinking and driving is never worth it. Arrange a designated driver, rideshare, or alternate transportation before drinking. Expect law enforcement checkpoints over the holiday.
2) Buckle up — every seat, every ride
Seat belts cut the risk of fatal injury by nearly 45%. Check that all child car seats and boosters are installed properly; many local agencies offer free car seat checks.
3) Travel during safer times
Avoid peak travel hours. AAA recommends leaving in the morning when traffic is lighter and crash risks are lower.
4) Slow down and allow extra time
Speeding killed nearly 11,775 people in 2023. Build extra time into your trip so you're not tempted to speed or weave through traffic.
5) Silence distractions
3,275 people died in distraction-related crashes in 2023. Put your phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode, and let a passenger handle navigation or messages.
6) Rest and rotate drivers
Drowsy driving is a hidden killer, with 633 reported deaths in 2023 (likely undercounted). Take breaks every 2 hours, and switch drivers on long trips.
7) Prep your vehicle & avoid flood risks
Before hitting the road, check tire pressure, fluid levels, battery, and lights. Carry an emergency kit. If storms hit, remember: just 12 inches of water can sweep away most cars — Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Practical Road Safety Checklist
- • Leave early in the day to avoid heavy afternoon traffic.
- • Never drink and drive — plan your ride.
- • Seat belts and child restraints for every passenger.
- • Set Do Not Disturb mode on your phone.
- • Obey speed limits and allow extra time.
- • Take breaks every 2 hours to fight fatigue.
- • Check your car and avoid floodwaters.
Final Thoughts from Bradley A. Pistotnik
Labor Day should be a time for family and celebration — not tragedy. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a serious crash.
If you or a loved one are injured in a collision over Labor Day weekend, remember that help is available 24/7. At Bull Attorneys, our team of car accident lawyers has decades of experience helping injured victims secure justice and compensation after a crash.
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