Labor Day weekend is often filled with fun at the pool or beach, attending parades, and honoring the contributions of American laborers to the success of the United States. Since its inception in 1882 the first Monday in September has been dedicated to the American labor movement. However, the holiday also contributes to a serious increase in motor vehicle accidents. Read on to learn about the rise in fatal car accidents that occurs every year during Labor Day weekend and speak with a Pike County car accident lawyer for legal assistance during your injury or wrongful death case.
Labor Day Fatal Car Accident Statistics
Labor Day weekend is one of the deadliest times of year for drivers in the United States. In 2021 over 500 people were killed in a traffic-related death during Labor Day weekend, making up nearly 12% of all deaths in the month of September.
In 2022 there were 490 car crash fatalities between 6 pm on Friday, September 2nd to 6 am on Tuesday, September 6th. Of those 490 deaths nearly 40% involved at least one drunk driver. 25% involved a driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher, nearly twice the legal limit. Out of the drivers aged 18 to 34 who were killed, 47% of them were above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.
Many factors contribute to car accidents and fatalities on holiday weekends, but intoxication is a serious issue that heavily contributes to fatalities on the road. Other contributing factors to crashes and fatalities can include the following.
- Excessive number of cars on the road
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Reckless driving and disobeying traffic laws
While many people want to go away for the long weekend, there are ways that drivers can work to prevent accidents and deaths.
How Can Drivers Prevent Accidents Labor Day Weekend?
Most people are not going to give up their vacation or weekend away so there are bound to be accidents around Labor Day. However, there are ways to avoid collisions and prevent a crash from becoming fatal. Refer to the safety tips below.
- Avoid peak driving times: The more cars are on the road the more likely an accident is to happen. Avoid rush hour traffic by planning your drive ahead of time and checking traffic monitoring apps and cameras.
- Do not engage in distracted driving: Changing the radio, looking at the GPS, eating, or any other activity that pulls your attention away from the road could result in an accident. Ask a passenger to navigate your phone or the stereo system and pull over when needed to avoid distracted driving.
- Do not drink and drive: Any amount of drugs or alcohol in your system can contribute to limited visibility, lower reaction times, and poor judgment. Wait an appropriate amount of time after drinking before getting behind the wheel or catch a ride with a sober friend.
- Stay off the roads at night: Though traffic may have begun dying down in the evening, most Labor Day weekend fatal car accidents occur between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am. Try to plan your travel times to coincide with daylight and increased visibility.
