Labor Day is celebrated across the United States. Parades, fireworks, parties, and more are all used as a way to honor laborers and end the summer with a bang. Unfortunately, each year there is a distinct correlation between Labor Day weekend and an increase in car accidents on the road. At Rubenstein, Berliner, & Shinrod, LLC, our New Jersey auto accident lawyers are prepared to represent you during a personal injury or wrongful death case. Contact a skilled attorney today for more information.
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day is an American holiday celebrated across the United States. It was first recognized in 1882 as a way to honor the nation’s workers and the significant contributions that were made to the country’s social and economic triumphs. The holiday is widely recognized as the unofficial end of the summer season, marking the return to school and upcoming fall weather.
Why is There an Increase in Car Accidents on Labor Day Weekend?
Many people use the long holiday weekend to get out of town. Whether they are visiting family, going to the beach, or spending time with friends, Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of year for highway travel.
Annually, Labor Day weekend sees a significant increase in car accidents across the U.S. While crashes can occur for a number of reasons, the jump in auto accidents on this holiday can be attributed to the following.
- Drugs and alcohol: Many people indulge in alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs during a holiday period. While it may be a fun way to celebrate, getting behind the wheel while intoxicated can cause serious accidents. Drugs and alcohol diminish a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Studies show that in 2022 47% of drivers who were killed in Labor Day accidents had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.
- Excessive traffic: In general, the more vehicles that are on the road, the more likely an accident is to occur. Tailgating, merging, and sudden braking in high-traffic areas can create hazards that drivers may be unable to avoid.
- Inexperience: Young drivers are often on the road during summer holidays. Teenagers pile into a car to travel to the shore or a friend’s party. While their fun may be harmless, driving with so much traffic can create stressful situations for inexperienced drivers who may not yet have the skill to drive defensively.
- Distracted driving: One of the main causes of auto accidents is distracted driving. A distraction may present itself in the form of the navigation system, radio, food or drink, or passengers in the vehicle. Anything that pulls the driver’s attention away from the road can result in a collision.
It is important to stay safe on the road, especially during a busy holiday weekend. Drive with caution and sober up before getting behind the wheel this Labor Day. Speak to a lawyer for additional information.
