Labor Day celebrates the hard work and commitment of millions of Americans. It’s also a great time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the end of summer.
Yet, Labor Day can be a risky time to travel. Accident rates often increase during the Labor Day weekend. If you’re on the roads in North Texas this Labor Day, take extra precautions, and if you’re injured by a negligent driver, talk to the team at Chandler Ross PLLC.
Labor Day is a Dangerous Day on Texas Roads
On Labor Day 2024, eleven fatal crashes claimed a total of 14 lives on Texas roads, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Over the Labor Day weekend from Friday through Monday, 33 crashes caused a total of 40 deaths.
These numbers made Labor Day the third-deadliest holiday on Texas roads in 2024. The Fourth of July ranked first, with 54 crashes causing 64 deaths, followed by Memorial Day with 46 crashes and 55 deaths.
In 2021, Dallas ranked 9th in the top ten states for deadliest holiday crashes, including five deaths on Labor Day.
Houston (8 deaths) and Austin (9 deaths) also made the top ten list. What makes Labor Day a dangerous time to travel on Texas roads? Research indicates several factors contribute to raising road risks.
- Impaired Driving: Drugged and drunk driving are connected to 32 percent of roadway deaths in the US annually, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). On Labor Day, however, this rate rises. Impaired driving is connected to 39 percent of all car crash deaths over the Labor Day weekend each year.
Rates of impaired driving trended downward between 1980 and the late 2010s, but they have trended upward slightly in the 2020s. Even cautious drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can be injured by a driver who chooses to drive while intoxicated.
- Higher Traffic: More traffic creates more opportunities for vehicles to collide. Labor Day is one of the most popular days of the year to travel by car, according to AAA. However, this also means Labor Day can be one of the most dangerous times for car accidents.
Dallas consistently ranks among the most dangerous US cities for Labor Day road travel. Texas’s large size and substantial population mean more cars on the roads, which can increase the risk of accidents.
- Schedule Disruptions, Distractions, and Drowsiness. Labor Day is a three-day weekend, plus the time available after work on the Friday before to travel. Disrupted schedules, drowsiness, and distractions behind the wheel can all contribute to a crash.
Drivers headed to unfamiliar areas are at a higher risk, because they don’t know the roads and may be distracted by maps or GPS systems. Drivers who have put in long hours behind the wheel are more likely to be tired or sleepy, which can increase the risk of a collision.
Safety Tips for North Texas Drivers This Labor Day Weekend
You can’t control how other drivers behave. But you can protect yourself, those in your vehicle, and others on the road.
Keep these safety tips in mind during your Labor Day travels:
- Stay alert and focused on driving. Never drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. Get your rest so you can focus. Assign someone else in your car the task of navigating, changing the radio station, and watching out with you as you drive.
- Give yourself time. Rushing to your destination increases the urge to speed, which can increase the risk of an accident – especially if you’re going somewhere new. Give yourself plenty of extra time to travel and take breaks.
- Keep emergency equipment with you. A fully charged cell phone and spare battery charger, flares, car repair tools, and a first aid kit can help you with immediate needs.
What To Do If You’re Injured on North Texas Roads This Labor Day
Always prioritize safety at an accident scene. Warn oncoming drivers. Clear the roadway if you can without moving any seriously injured person. Next, take these steps:
- Call 911 for emergency assistance. Get medical help right away.
- At the scene, take photos or video and get contact information from witnesses if you can. Or if you have a dashcam, this can help your attorney build a compelling case on your behalf.
- Go to a hospital emergency room for your injuries.
- Or, visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. If you are worried about how to pay for your medical bills, contact a local attorney as soon as possible.
A top-rated car accident attorney can handle insurance claims, investigate the car accident, and protect your legal rights. Each settlement amount varies case by case; we will analyze your unique situation and work to reach the best possible outcome.
A car accident can turn a fun holiday into a life-changing tragedy. If you’re injured or a loved one is killed on the roads this Labor Day, don’t wait. We proudly serve our Denton, Dallas, and North Texas communities. Talk to the experienced Texas car accident attorneys at Chandler Ross PLLC to get started on your personal injury claim.
