Since 1894, the first Monday in September has been a national celebration
of the contributions that workers have made to the well-being and prosperity
of our country. Labor Day has become a holiday that is much looked forward
to by individuals across the United States.
Many individuals look forward to their long holiday weekend, planning holiday-themed
gatherings and traveling to visit friends and family. However, this time
also marks a dangerous weekend for those on the road.
Labor Day Accident Statistics
During Labor Day weekends, the number of
car accidents spikes, and so does the number of on-road injuries and fatalities. The
National Safety Council reports that:
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Around 400 people in the U.S. are killed in car crashes over the Labor
Day weekend each year -
The number of car accidents increases by an estimated 9% over Labor Day weekend
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36% of on-road fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver
Why exactly do accidents increase over Labor Day weekend? We’ve identified
a few key variables in this equation:
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More people on the road
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Driving under the influence
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Distracted driving
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Night driving and driver fatigue
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Labor Day weekend marks the last part of the notorious “100 Deadliest
Days of Summer.” This is the period between Memorial Day and Labor
Day when car accidents increase amongst teen drivers.
Statistics show that teen crashes increase by 26% compared to other months of the year.
AAA also reports that, over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people were
killed in crashes involving teen drivers during this time period.
Parents, make sure to teach your teens safe driving practices and offer
ways for them to eliminate distractions while driving. You should set
an example by following these safe driving practices as well.
Staying Safe on the Road
With all this in mind, there’s no doubt that drivers should take
some extra precautions to ensure they stay safe on the road. Make sure to:
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Buckle up. Seatbelts can save lives in the event of an accident. Ensure
you and everyone else in the car is buckled up, and properly secure infants
in car seats. -
Don’t drink and drive. If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages
over the weekend, make sure to have a designated sober driver, or call
an Uber or Lyft. -
Stay alert. Be extra vigilant when you’re behind the wheel and drive
defensively. -
Be patient. There will probably be traffic during Labor Day weekend, which
may increase your time on the road. Be patient and leave extra room between
your vehicle and others.
All of us at Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci hope that the information
in this blog helps you stay aware of the increased dangers of driving
over Labor Day weekend and how you can do your part in ensuring your safety
and the safety of others on the road.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident,
Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci is here for you. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm at (833) 600-0125
to speak with a personal injury attorney.
