Labor Day Historically One of Deadliest Holidays
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Labor Day is one of the “deadliest times on the road.” Over the 2017 Labor Day Holiday Weekend, of the 376 people killed in traffic accidents, 36% involved a drunk driver. More than a quarter of those impaired drivers had a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .15% or higher. Two years before, NHTSA reported that 40% of the traffic fatalities involved drunk drivers. Sadly, driving under the influence accounts for countless deaths every year. Holidays tend to see an increase in the number of accidents and alcohol-related fatalities.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have teamed up to crackdown on drunk driving. Campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” are made highly visible in the weeks before Labor Day including increased officers on the road and drunk driving checkpoints. Officers will take a zero-tolerance stance towards drunk driving in an effort to save lives.
Today, driving under the influence is no excuse. There are inexpensive ride share options available in nearly every corner of the country. Public transportation is available in most cities and several companies such as AAA offer a free tow or ride share option. You can also designate a sober driver or plan a night in with friends and make sure that nobody is driving. Labor Day does not have to be a deadly time on our roads, together we can make the difference. There are options available for making Labor Day safe and fun. Make sure if you are hosting a Labor Day party to provide plenty of non-alcoholic options and never let a person who is impaired drive home. Decide whether you are staying in or going out. Always be safe and drive sober.