Labor Day marks the official end of summer, which is bittersweet for some. Unfortunately, holidays have a reputation for seeing an uptick in fatalities and injuries due to car accidents – and in Florida, boating accidents. As summer comes to a close, we should remain vigilant while enjoying our long holiday weekend – hopefully proving statistics wrong. However, Labor Day accidents make this one of the most dangerous weekends of the year.

The National Safety Council reports that traffic deaths have leveled off in the first half of 2022. Although numbers were virtually the same versus 2021, there was no increase for the first time in years. Still, statistics show that we can expect between 42,000 and 62,000 injuries resulting from car accidents over the 2022 Labor Day weekend.

The NSC estimates that of those accidents, there will be 456 fatalities over the 3-day weekend, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday, September 2, and ends at 11: 59 p.m. Monday, September 5, 2022.

How to Stay Safe from Accidents

Plan Ahead: Enjoying a holiday weekend in Florida involves sun, fun, water, and beaches – grilling, swimming, and boating. Everyone should decide before they leave for the celebration just how they will get home – whether abstaining from alcohol, designating a driver, or calling an Uber driver. Deciding before you go eliminates the dilemma of determining if “you are ok” to drive home after a long day and a few drinks. Figure out your strategy, and then get to enjoying your day! Consider staying at a family or friend’s house or booking a nearby hotel for the evening.

Buckle up: While some of these tips are basic, many people can get lazy about the easiest ways to save their and their families lives. Don’t drive without buckling everyone up safely. If there is an accident, you want to give yourself the best possible chance of walking away.
Get plenty of sleep: Whether driving to meet friends, staying up late for a few nights, or spending all day in the hot sun – fatigue is a real problem when operating a car or boat. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Some people remember their younger days and think they can have sleepless weekends, but most do not fare well under those conditions.
Drive safely and defensively: It is always important to drive defensively, but you need to pay even closer attention to other drivers over a weekend historically known for accidents. Maintain the speed limit and be extra vigilant about all the other drivers on the road. Remember, accidents often involve a liable party and an innocent victim. Be sure to keep your wits about you.

Drunk Driving and Labor Day Accidents

Drinking and driving is the cause of many highway fatalities and injury accidents over holiday weekends, and Labor Day represents the fourth most deadly holiday for alcohol-related accidents. 38% of Labor Day accidents involve a DUI.

Some states are more dangerous than others (with California, Missouri, and Texas taking the top spots), but nearly 70% of accidents occur between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Boating Accidents over Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend signals the unofficial end of traditional boating season and is always a hectic few days on the water. Because boats are vehicles, the same rules apply to stay safe – stay sober, stay alert, and make sure you are well-rested and alert.

In addition, you can avoid Labor Day accidents and tragedies on the water by:

Wear a lifejacket: 83 percent of fatalities in recreational boating accidents weren’t wearing life jackets. Everyone on the boat, no matter their age, should wear a properly fitted life vest.
Have communication capability: Have a radio onboard which can broadcast on channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency. Ensure phones are charged and protected from the water.
Make a floating plan: A float plan involves telling someone on land where you are leaving from, where you are going, and when you expect to be back. This gives rescuers a reference point should they need to look for you.
Check the weather: Being caught in a storm is much more severe when you are on the water than on the beach. Keep a close eye on the radar throughout your entire time on the boat.

We hope you have a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend – but if you were the victim of an accident, don’t go it alone. Call the personal injury lawyers at Probinsky & Cole, and schedule an initial consultation at our Tampa, Sarasota, or Orlando offices.