Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and one of the busiest travel times of the year. Families hit the road, friends take last-minute trips, and highways become packed with cars, campers, and motorcycles. Unfortunately, this increase in traffic often leads to a rise in serious accidents and injuries.
At Broussard, David & Moroux we’ve represented countless individuals and families whose lives were forever changed by a catastrophic injury. We want your holiday weekend to be filled with rest, fun, and time with family, not risk. That’s why we’re sharing practical, easy-to-follow travel safety tips to help you stay safe this Labor Day weekend.
Why Labor Day Weekend Is So Dangerous for Travelers
According to the National Safety Council, hundreds of traffic fatalities occur over Labor Day weekend every year. Congested roads, alcohol consumption, and driver fatigue all contribute to a significant spike in serious motor vehicle accidents.
It’s not just drivers who face risks. Pedestrians, cyclists, boaters, and passengers are also vulnerable. Being prepared and staying alert can prevent tragedy.
10 Travel Safety Tips for Labor Day Weekend
- Roads are busiest Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
- Use real-time GPS applications to avoid traffic and hazardous road conditions.
- Leave early or travel at off-peak hours when possible.
- Seatbelts save lives. Make sure all passengers are buckled up before you hit the road.
- If you plan to drink, plan to have a designated driver, rideshare, or a taxi.
- Labor Day weekend is known for DUI-related crashes, many of which end in a fatality.
- Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions.
- Use hands-free features or let a passenger navigate and handle calls/texts.
- Warm weather brings out more bikers and walkers. Always check blind spots and yield at crosswalks.
- Essentials include water, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and a phone charger.
- Check tire pressure, brakes, oil levels, and headlights.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tire and jack.
- Speeding is a leading cause of holiday weekend accidents. Slower traffic, work zones and wildlife may pop up unexpectedly.
- Boating and swimming are popular over Labor Day, but alcohol, lack of life jackets, and inexperience can be deadly.
- Use flotation devices, follow local boating laws, and never swim alone.
- Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Take breaks every 2 hours, switch drivers if possible, and don’t push through exhaustion.
The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).