The National Safety Council (NSC) is urging Americans to drive defensively and designate a sober driver to help prevent an estimated 390 deaths and another 44,400 serious injuries on U.S. roadways during the upcoming Labor Day holiday period.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimate is consistent with the Council’s last few years of estimates for the three-day Labor Day holiday period, indicating that people are expected to travel even though COVID-19 infections remain high.

Data shows that, despite the pandemic reducing traffic volumes, more people are losing their lives for every mile driven. While the total number of deaths has fallen year over year in the first five months of 2020, the rate of death on the roads was 23 percent higher in May 2020 compared to the same month last year.

“Travel during holiday weekends always is risky, and this year our roads haven’t been safe even when traffic has been light,” said Lorraine M. Martin, NSC president and CEO. “We hope drivers take these figures as a reminder to slow down, pay attention and drive like their lives depend on it, because they do.”

Alcohol is often cited as a major factor in fatal crashes during holiday weekends, including Labor Day. In 2018 – the most recent year for data – 38 percent of fatal crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver or motorcycle rider.

NSC’s tips for safer Labor Day travel include:

  • Practice defensive driving: Buckle up, designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation, get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue, and drive attentively, avoiding distractions
  • Recognize the dangers of drugged driving, including impairment from cannabis and opioids
  • Stay engaged in teens’ driving habits; visit nsc.org/DriveitHOME for resources
  • Learn about your vehicle’s safety systems and how to use them; visit MyCarDoesWhat.org or information
  • Fix recalls immediately; visit ChecktoProtect.org to ensure your vehicle does not have an open recall

The Labor Day holiday begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.