National Safety Council Predicts More Traffic Deaths this Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day, millions of cars will hit the road as Americans celebrate summer with family and friends. 

In 2012, more than 6,270 red-light violations occurred over the Labor Day holiday. Travel club AAA is projecting that 34.1 million Americans will travel over the holiday, with 85 percent expected to drive to their destinations. This prediction represents an increase of 4.3 percent when comparing the numbers to last year’s drivers.  Due to this expected rise in the number of road travelers, the National Safety Council predicts that 394 traffic deaths will occur over the Labor Day travel period, an increase of nearly 6 percent over 2012 numbers. In addition, the safety organization estimates that another 42,200 people will require medical treatment for traffic-related injuries.

“With a significant influx of cars on our roadways, all drivers must be careful over the holiday weekend, especially in and around intersections,” says Melissa Wandall, President of NCSR. “We encourage everyone to slow down and take extra care to stop at red lights.”

Friday, August 30 is expected to be the busiest travel day of 2013. AAA predicts that 46 percent of Americans will depart for the holiday weekend on Friday and 43 percent will return on Monday, September 2.

NCSR urges all drivers who are hitting the road this Labor Day to take extra precautions while driving, especially in and around intersections.

–NCSRSafety.org press release