In the United States, Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends to be on the road. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across the United States, many people choose to drive versus fly to their vacation destination.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2020, an estimated 390 people died due to motor vehicle accidents on Labor Day weekend. Although Labor Day is a time to travel and have fun, it is important to make sure you are ready for the drive. Keeping others and yourself safe from a car accident is important, so here are five Labor Day driving safety tips to get you through the weekend.
1. Avoid Driving During Peak Hours
Make sure to plan ahead before leaving on your labor day weekend vacation. With more drivers on the road, congestion is bound to happen. Drivers should plan to leave early to give them extra time for a timely arrival. If you are planning to leave right after work on Friday before labor day, traffic will probably be worse than usual. If you are planning to leave Friday or Saturday, it is advised to leave early in the morning between 5 AM and 7 AM. Leaving early will not only give you a head start but will also get you to your destination without traffic congestion. When traveling home on Monday, it is advised to leave before 4 PM or after 10 PM to beat the traffic.
2. Stay Alert
If you end up in a traffic jam on the highway, make sure to pay attention to the drivers around you. With the COVID-19 pandemic still on the rise, people are eager to leave their homes and take their much-needed vacations. If people hit traffic, they may be more agitated and may drive more aggressively than usual. Make sure to exercise safe driving techniques to ensure your safety.
3. Don’t Look At Your Phone While Driving
Sitting in traffic may be a pain, but it is important to stay alert at all times. That means not looking at your phone, too. Phones can be a huge distraction when it comes to driving safely on the road. If you are using a navigation app, have your friend or family member take care of the directions. It is important to get to your
4. Limit Night Time Driving
It may be a good idea to avoid being on the road from sunset to sunrise. If you want to go out at night during labor day weekend, try safer alternatives such as taxis, public transportation, and ride-sharing. If you are planning to drive, do not drink. Make sure to keep you and others safe on the road.
5. Prepare For Hot Weather
Although Labor Day usually symbolizes the end of summer, hot temperatures will be on the rise. It is important to check that your vehicle has a working air conditioning and cooling system, as you could get stuck in traffic for a couple of hours. Keep your car stocked with water and food so that you are properly hydrated during your drive to your vacation destination.
With labor day only a couple weeks away, make sure to stay informed on safe driving measures before traveling during the holiday weekend.