2020 Facts About Labor Day Drinking from the National Safety Council
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), traffic-related death totals for Labor Day could be as high as 390 people this year. The Labor Day holiday this year extends from 6:00 pm on Friday, September 4, to 11:59 pm on Monday, September 7. Historically, the long weekend has proven deadly for many auto travelers. The high number of people on the road combined with those that choose to drink and drive has disastrous results.
Estimates for 2020 traffic deaths are from 327 to 462, as noted by the NSC. This year, however, it is harder to pin down the exact number because of the pandemic. Throughout the years, the NSC has been consistent in accurately predicting the number of traffic fatalities within their confidence interval.
Traffic-related injuries for the 2020 Labor Day holiday period are estimated to be 44,400 with a confidence interval of 37,300 to 52,600. Alcohol is involved in a large number of accidents on any given day, however during the Labor Day holiday the number increases. The NSC notes that during 2018, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 29 percent of the total traffic-related fatalities. That same year alcohol was involved in 38 percent of traffic-related fatalities during the three-day Labor Day holiday.
Labor Day is traditionally a heavy drinking holiday. The end of summer is marked with pool parties, beach time, and BBQs with many revolving around alcohol. Driving under the influence accounts for a high number of traffic-related deaths. Choosing not to drink and drive can save lives. It is crucial to seek help if you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and feel that you cannot stop drinking. Make it a point to get home safe this Labor Day Weekend. Drive safe, drive sober, and stay safe.