Labor Day tops summer holidays for fatal speeding crashes, Smart Start finds

A Smart Start analysis of federal crash data says Labor Day has the highest average number of fatal speeding-related crashes among major summer holidays, with 133 a year from 2014 to 2023. The findings underscore continued risks from speeding and impaired driving as Americans head into the holiday weekend.

Why it matters: - Labor Day weekend remains one of the deadliest times on U.S. roads, especially for speeding and impaired driving. - The findings suggest holiday travel plans need to account for both sober driving and lower speeds, not just traffic volume.

What happened: - Smart Start analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data from 2014 through 2023 for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. - Labor Day had the highest average number of fatal speeding-related crashes among the three holidays, at 133 per year nationwide. - Labor Day averaged 90 fatal DUI crashes each year, nearly matching the Fourth of July’s 94 and exceeding Memorial Day’s 89. - Smart Start issued the analysis in Grapevine, Texas, as Americans prepared for the unofficial end of summer.

The details: - Montana ranked highest for fatal DUI crashes on Labor Day relative to population. - New Mexico ranked highest for fatal speeding-related crashes over the holiday. - Kansas recorded the largest increase in fatal Labor Day DUI crashes during the period analyzed, up 87%. - Colorado and Alabama each posted increases of about 74% in fatal Labor Day DUI crashes. - Smart Start provides ignition interlock devices for drivers required to meet state-mandated program requirements. - Smart Start also offers portable alcohol monitoring devices and other alcohol monitoring solutions. - The company says its devices have prevented more than 12 million impaired driving events since 1992. - Smart Start operates in the U.S., Canada, Australia and 11 other international markets. - Smart Start says its hardware and cloud software are designed to support community safety. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The holiday risk pattern is not limited to alcohol. Speeding-related fatal crashes outpaced the other major summer holidays in the Smart Start review. - State-by-state swings point to uneven enforcement, travel patterns and risk behavior across the country. - The data frame Labor Day as a prevention moment, with the biggest gains likely coming from pre-trip planning rather than roadside intervention alone.

What's next: - Smart Start is urging drivers to designate a sober driver, use rideshare or taxi services, take public transportation or stay overnight. - Drivers required to use an ignition interlock device are being advised to follow program rules and use the device as directed. - Smart Start says a transportation plan made before festivities begin can reduce holiday road risk.