With Labor Day weekend being one of the busiest travel periods of the year, new insights from insurance company Allstate has revealed exactly when and where drivers face the most risk, based on millions of trips logged nationwide.
Using Drivewise, a safe driving program available in the Allstate app, the analysis looks at how Americans drive: from speeding and hard braking to congestion and breakdowns. The data covers Labor Day week (Wednesday–Tuesday), comparing real-time driving behavior to average summer patterns.
“We see driving habits really change over Labor Day weekend,” said Brian Dieringer, President of Allstate Roadside.
“You’ve got fewer drivers slamming on the brakes and more stepping on the gas, which is a clear sign people are trading the daily commute for a road trip.”
Allstate has projected the cities of Nashville, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, Austin and San Antonio will see the greatest increases in out-of-state drivers.
Slowdowns are expected on the following major metro routes :
- Atlanta: I-85, I-75, I-20
- Houston: I-10, I-45
- Chicago: I-90, I-94
- Philadelphia: I-95
- Dallas: U.S. 75
On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, between the hours of 7am and 11am have been suggested as the best times to travel. Meanwhile after 7pm is advised to be the best times for Tuesday returns.
The afternoons between 3pm to 7pm are expected to be the worst times to travel.
Allstate is advising drivers to plan trips around these peak windows to help avoid congestion and risky driving conditions.
While most travelers focus on the weekend itself, Allstate Roadside data shows the real trouble starts Tuesday, the day after Labor Day.
Breakdowns spike nearly 25 per cent as Americans return to work and school, making it one of the most likely days of the summer to need roadside assistance, according to Allstate.
“Allstate Roadside sees a surge in calls the day after Labor Day. It’s partly due to increased wear from holiday travel, but also from the fact that many repair shops are closed over the holiday weekend and the rush to get back to normal routines,” Dieringer added.
