Holiday commuters urged to prioritize safety and drive cautiously
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The National Safety Council estimates 424 may die in preventable traffic crashes during the 2025 Labor Day holiday period, from 6 p.m. Central Time on Friday, August 29, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 1.
The increased risk of motor vehicle crashes during Labor Day weekend poses a significant threat to the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. With millions of Americans traveling for the holiday and celebrating the end of summer, roadways see heightened traffic and increased crash risk. Data shows that 36% of traffic fatalities that occur throughout the Labor Day period involve an alcohol-impaired driver.
“Labor Day weekend travel requires extra caution,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. “We’re still in the most dangerous season for roadway users, and everyone plays a role in preventing avoidable tragedies. Drivers who plan on traveling during Labor Day weekend must exercise increased caution and take the necessary steps to arrive safely.”
NSC urges everyone to take these steps to prevent crashes and save lives:
- Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin, or use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you’ve been drinking
- Host responsibly to ensure guests have a safe way home
- Never drive impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other substances
- Wear your seat belt; it’s one of the simplest ways to save your life
- Speak up if someone you know is about to drive impaired; take the keys and help them get home safely
For more safety tips, visit nsc.org/saferoads. Review supplemental information about the Labor Day holiday fatality estimates and additional motor vehicle data at injuryfacts.nsc.org.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.
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©2025 National Safety Council
SOURCE National Safety Council
