Tips to Avoid a Car Accident on Labor Day Weekend

Holiday weekends are some of the most dangerous for drivers in Texas. Holidays come with safety threats such as drunk drivers, drowsy drivers and heavy traffic. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is notorious for an increase in traffic accidents. Crash statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation show an unusually high number of collisions on Labor Day weekend. In 2018, 56 people died over Labor Day weekend in Texas, compared to 25 deaths the following weekend. Learning how to avoid a car crash in Houston on a holiday could save your life.

The best way to avoid a car accident is to limit the amount of time you spend on the road. Celebrate close to home, if possible. Host a barbeque in your local neighborhood instead of traveling out of town. Pick up groceries and decorations the week before Labor Day rather than the weekend of, when fewer people will be out and about. If you want to take a vacation over the three-day weekend, choose to fly to your final destination rather than drive.

If you will be driving out of town or out of state for the long weekend, plan your route in advance. Search for information on the safest and most efficient roads to your destination. Consider taking the scenic route on rural roads if you do not wish to get stuck in traffic or drive next to semi-trucks on major highways. Check the weather where you live and on the way to your final destination to plan for rain or fog.

Take your car to the shop right before any long road trips on Labor Day weekend. Vehicle breakdowns and part malfunctions can contribute to traffic accidents. Avoid a tire blowout, your car overheating or other common problems with proper vehicle maintenance. Check your vehicle’s fluids, tire pressure and lights before embarking. Proper vehicle maintenance can give you peace of mind all weekend long, which is important since many auto shops close on Labor Day.

Driving under the influence is a serious issue in Texas. In 2018, 940 Texans died in drunk driving accidents. This was 26% of the total number of traffic fatalities. If you plan on drinking at all on Labor Day, do not plan on driving home. Use a designated driver, taxi, Uber or Lyft to get home safely. Keep an eye out for drunk drivers over the weekend, especially at night. If you notice any signs of drunk driving, keep your distance and call the police.

A drunk driver may be unable to keep his or her vehicle between the lines, going the correct speed limit or driving in a straight line. If you see someone who appears to be under the influence or falling asleep behind the wheel, stay a safe distance away and call 911. You can report a suspected drunk driver by giving the police your location and the other vehicle’s license plate number.

Try as you might to stay safe, another driver may involve you in a car accident on Labor Day weekend. Do not drive without your seatbelt, no matter how short the drive. Make sure everyone in your vehicle – especially children under 16 – also buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says wearing a seatbelt is one of the safest choices you can make. Seatbelts saved almost 15,000 lives in 2017. If you do get into a Labor Day car accident, your seatbelt could prevent serious or fatal injuries, including a fractured spinal cord or traumatic brain injury. Buckle up this holiday weekend.

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