SALT LAKE CITY — With millions of motorists preparing to hit the road for Labor Day weekend, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging drivers to inspect their vehicles and stock emergency supplies ahead of one of the busiest and most dangerous travel periods of the year.
National Safety Council estimates project that 434 people could die and nearly 49,500 could suffer crash-related injuries nationwide during the holiday travel window, which runs from 6 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday. Last year, more than 400,000 drivers across the country required roadside assistance over the holiday, according to transportation data.
“The best time to find out your battery is weak or your tire is worn is before you leave home, not on a crowded highway,” said Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “A few minutes of preparation can prevent hours of trouble and help keep everyone in the car safer.”
To avoid getting stranded, safety officials recommend testing vehicle batteries, checking tire pressure and tread depth, and inspecting oil and fluid levels before leaving the driveway. Drivers traveling through rural stretches should also maintain adequate fuel or electric charge levels to avoid running empty between distant service stations.
The Red Cross emphasizes that every vehicle should carry an updated emergency kit. Essential items include drinking water, nonperishable high-protein snacks, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with spare batteries, jumper cables, a blanket, basic tools, a mobile phone charger and emergency contact information. Officials suggest checking existing kits regularly to replace expired medical supplies or consumed items.
Beyond mechanical breakdowns, driver behavior remains a primary concern on high-volume holiday weekends. Traffic fatalities during the Labor Day period over the past six years averaged 9% higher than on adjacent weekends. Impaired driving poses a severe threat, with alcohol involved in 34% of Labor Day traffic fatalities in 2024.
Basic safety measures can dramatically improve outcomes. Experts estimate that universal seat belt use alone could save 106 lives nationwide over the weekend. Drivers are urged to plan sober rides in advance, eliminate mobile phone distractions, adjust speeds for heavy traffic or bad weather, and take regular rest breaks on long trips. Motorists must also yield space to roadside emergency workers and disabled vehicles, and always inspect back seats for children and pets before locking their vehicles.