Labor Day: an unofficial end to summer, an official beginning to football, and a weekend where drivers hit the streets by the tens of millions nationwide.
This year, estimates from the AAA project a post-recession high of 34.1 million people traveling 50 miles or more between Thursday and Monday, while 29.2 million is expected to travel by car, a 4.3 percent jump from last year.
More Drivers on Roads Due to Good Economy, Lower Gas Prices
AAA president Robert Darbelnet attributed the estimated uptick in drivers “to the increasingly positive economic outlook.”
Also contributing to the increase in drivers are gas prices that have fallen from record-highs last summer and present less of a deterrent to motorists. According to the AAA, mid-August gas prices were 2.7 percent lower on average compared to the same period last year; the current national average is $3.54 a gallon.
Stay Safe, Groups Say
Labor Day weekend brings as much celebration as it does advocacy about staying safe during that celebration.
The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) offered this advice:
Robert Passmore, PCI’s senior director of personal lines, said that getting the condition of a vehicle checked before a big trip is an important preparedness tip. Just as important, he said, is that Labor Day drivers talk with their car insurers to iron out proof of coverage and roadside assistance, should the worst occur.
“You never know when you’re going to get in an accident or when your car is going to break down” said Passmore.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is also a concern during the festivity-filled weekend, spurring an AAA advisory to partiers to tap someone as the designated drivers before the drinking starts.
“Arrange a safe ride before partaking in any festivities,” according to the advisory.
The AAA is providing some valuable advice to drivers, considering the police presence you’ll see on the streets this Labor Day weekend. The annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign kicked off in mid-August and will encompass this Labor Day weekend, with 10,000 police departments and law enforcement agencies “out in force” in the nationwide crackdown on intoxicated driving.
This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is spotlighting victims of drunk driving with agency data showing that a drunk-driving crash kills someone who was not driving drunk every three hours in the U.S.
Drivers should also remember the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” that began on Memorial Day and continues through Labor Day Weekend. The traffic safety campaign encourages diligence from drivers, especially younger ones, who face a higher risk of crashing during 100 days when more driver are on the road.
Rental Car
For those renting cars during the Labor Day holiday, the Insurance Information Institute (III) offers a handy refresher on things for renters to keep in mind.
Although convenience in car rentals is a prized thing for consumers, the III suggests two phone calls to plan ahead: call your insurer and your credit card company.
You insurer will be able to inform you about your current coverage levels, towing costs, and fees. Your credit card company can tell you about additional insurance benefits.
