Safety Tips for Labor Day 2023
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated annually in America the first Monday each year.
Labor Day celebrates the “social and economic achievements of American workers”, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Labor Day became a federal holiday in the early 1890’s. Oregon was the first state to recognize the holiday in 1887, not even 30 years after being admitted to statehood.
Additionally, Labor Day is usually observed the entire weekend, starting when the workday ends on Friday.
Often viewed as the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day is usually celebrated in a number of different ways, such as:
- Picnics
- Parades
- College football
- NFL season beginning a few days later
- Labor Day sales at stores
However, motor vehicle accidents and other personal injuries do not take the day off.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated 456 labor day deaths related to motor vehicle accidents in 2022. This is a five percent increase over the last five years and a 15 percent increase over the last ten years.
Traveling by car has the highest rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Over Labor Day weekend, travel via automobile is one of the most common methods of transportation for those visiting different cities or states.
Distracted driving leads to numerous car crashes each year. Distracted drivers are paying closer attention to virtually anything but the road ahead or surrounding them.
This could include focusing on:
- Texting
- Looking up directions
- Focusing on other passengers, like children in the backseat
- Looking for a specific location
Recent studies from the NSC show an increase in distracted driving car crashes from 2019 to 2020.
In today’s world, where people are constantly on the go or multitasking, it’s not completely rare for drivers to operate a vehicle distracted.
However, studies reveal mental blocks that come from shifting between two or more tasks can cost up to 40 percent of a person’s mental time. This does not bode well for drivers.
This Labor Day, travelers behind the wheel can avoid distracted driving several ways, including:
- Pulling over to text, or sending messages during rest stops
- Getting directions before traveling, or having another passenger help navigate
- Be sure to check on other passengers during break periods
- Have another passenger help locate a specific destination
Other personal injuries can happen during Labor Day weekend.
Drinking is a popular weekend activity. While there are many reports and studies regarding drunk driving, heavy drinking can result in other injuries as well.
Drinking while out at public or private parties can result in slip and fall injuries, or even a pedestrian accident.
Slip and falls are very common, and occur when a pedestrian trips, slips, or falls and injures themselves. A pedestrian accident occurs when the victim is hit by an oncoming car.
Slips, falls and pedestrian accidents are dangerous when one is drunk.
Drinking too much alcohol can affect the brain’s communication pathways, altering brain functions. This can make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
Personal injuries on Labor Day weekend can disrupt someone’s relaxation. There are a number of injuries you can suffer from, including:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Eye injuries
- Back pain
- Chest injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Vital organ damage
- Cuts or lacerations
- Muscle tears
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
If you were injured during Labor Day weekend, contacting an LA personal injury attorney may be a good option.
C&B Law Group has a team of personal injury lawyers that are prepared to help you following a serious injury. Our attorneys have helped recover millions of dollars for our clients.
With a 99 percent success rate at settling claims, we assure you we will try to put forth 110 percent to ensure you receive the highest possible compensation for your injury claim.
Contact C&B Law Group today for a free consultation.
