Labor Day marks summer’s end, the start of the school year, and the beginning of fall festivities. People nationwide will gather to relax and spend time with friends and family in celebration of the hard work they put forth throughout the year. As this holiday weekend commences, take some time to review safe driving tips to help ensure everyone stays safe and has fun.
Although summer is ending, the heat in Georgia is far from gone. Remember to never leave children or pets in the car under any circumstances. Check that the air conditioner is in working order and be sure to keep plenty of water in the car to avoid heatstroke, especially when traveling with children. Additionally, take extra notice of tire pressure, especially if traveling long distances, as high temperatures can increase tire pressure and cause tires to underperform or burst.
With any holiday period comes increased traffic. Be wary of out-of-town drivers and research local traffic laws, road conditions, and weather if planning to travel through unfamiliar areas. Check 511GA for real-time, statewide traffic updates.
Finally, celebration comes with holidays, which sometimes includes alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is running its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from August 16 to September 4 to remind the public of the extreme risk associated with driving under the influence.
During the Labor Day holiday period in 2022, there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide. Of those fatalities, 39% (190) involved a drunk driver. Take notice of these tips to keep yourself and others safe during Labor Day weekend:
- Before attending any events where drinking may occur, designate a non-drinking, sober driver or plan to use a rideshare to get home safely.
- Whether you are attending or hosting a gathering, stay aware of those around you and ensure no one gets behind the wheel if they have been drinking.
- If you are a non-drinking, sober driver, stay vigilant of other cars around you and make sure everyone in your car is wearing their seatbelt.
- Safely pull over and call 911 if you believe you see a drunk driver on the road.
Remember, drinking related incidents are always avoidable. Plan ahead, hold others accountable, and use extra caution on the roads during Labor Day weekend. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable weekend—Happy Labor Day!