The Dangers of Drinking and Driving During the Labor Day Holiday
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the 2019 Labor Day holiday period 38% of fatal traffic accidents involved a drunk driver. This year NHTSA is partnering with local law enforcement throughout the country for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The campaign is designed to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired driving and prevent the high rate of traffic fatalities that occur each year.
2019 Labor Day Drunk Driving Statistics
Traditionally law enforcement will put extra patrols on the road or will conduct saturation patrols throughout the holiday period. As noted by NHTSA during the 2019 Labor Day holiday period, across the United States there were 451 fatal traffic accidents. 45% of those traffic fatalities involved a driver who had been drinking. Over one-third of the total fatal traffic accidents involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Even more devastating, just shy of one-fourth (24%) involved a driver with a BAC of .15% or higher.
In 2019, a person was killed every 52 minutes in a drunk driving crash. The statistics are even higher during holidays like Labor Day weekend where there are more drivers on the road and celebrations are more likely to include alcohol.
NSC Traffic Fatality Estimates
The National Safety Council (NSC) that as many as 466 people will die in fatal traffic accidents this year during the Labor Day holiday period. Overall fatal motor vehicle deaths were down in 2020 likely related to pandemic shutdowns. This year the Labor Day holiday period begins Friday, September 3, 2021 at 6:00 pm and lasts until 11:59 pm on Monday, September 6, 2021. The NSC estimate for traffic deaths during this period is 386 to 552. As always it is recommended that you plan ahead to ensure a safe Labor Day weekend.