The National Safety Council (NSC) is sounding the alarm ahead of the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend. The nonprofit safety group estimates that 424 people may die in preventable traffic crashes between 6 p.m. Friday, August 29, and 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 1.
A Dangerous Weekend for Drivers
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and millions of Americans are expected to hit the road for family trips, barbecues, and celebrations. But heavier traffic comes with greater risks. Historically, Labor Day weekend ranks among the deadliest travel periods of the year.
According to NSC data, 36% of traffic fatalities during Labor Day weekend involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Distracted driving, speeding, and drowsy driving also spike during this time, creating a perfect storm on already congested highways. AAA predicts that travel volumes will be near record highs in 2025, with Friday afternoon and Monday evening expected to be the most gridlocked travel times.
“Labor Day weekend travel requires extra caution,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. “Everyone plays a role in preventing avoidable tragedies. Drivers who plan on traveling must take the necessary steps to arrive safely.”
Key Safety Tips from the NSC
The NSC is urging drivers and partygoers to take simple precautions that can prevent tragedies:
- Plan ahead: If you plan to drink, line up a sober driver or use a rideshare, taxi, or public transit.
- Be a responsible host: Ensure your guests have safe ways to get home.
- Avoid impaired driving: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances.
- Buckle up: Seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to prevent death in a crash.
- Speak up: Stop friends or family from driving impaired by taking their keys and arranging another ride.
Extra Caution for Holiday Travel
Beyond impaired driving, experts recommend paying attention to additional hazards common on holiday weekends:
- Heavy congestion: Allow extra travel time and expect delays, particularly near major cities and vacation destinations.
- Distracted driving: Phones, GPS adjustments, and in-car entertainment systems are frequent culprits—drivers should minimize distractions before setting off.
- Fatigue: Longer drives and late-night returns increase drowsy driving risk. Rest breaks every 2–3 hours can help keep drivers alert.
- Motorcycles and cyclists: With fair weather, more riders are on the road; drivers should double-check mirrors and blind spots.
- Pedestrians: End-of-summer festivals and neighborhood gatherings increase foot traffic, especially in residential areas.
Staying Informed
More safety resources are available at nsc.org/saferoads, along with detailed crash data and supplemental information at injuryfacts.nsc.org.
About the NSC
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate. For more than 110 years, the NSC has worked to reduce preventable deaths and injuries in the workplace, on the road, and beyond. Its mission is to create a culture of safety so people can live their fullest lives.
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