As Labor Day approaches, many of us look forward to spending quality time with family and friends. Amidst traveling and enjoying the holiday weekend festivities, it’s important to consider safety.
Driving and Alcohol: A Critical Concern
U.S. Labor Day Weekend means increased road travel coinciding with an uptick in incidents. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 1,000 car accidents occurred during this same time last year—10% involved alcohol. The National Safety Council estimates that over 400 fatalities will occur across the U.S. during this weekend.
Avoid Becoming A Travel Statistic this Labor Day
Traveling during Labor Day Weekend involves taking responsibility when on the road. Follow these tips to arrive at your destination safely:
- Ensure you’re well-rested before embarking on your journey.
- Clean your headlights before heading on the road and turn them on if it gets dark or there is hazardous weather.
- Eliminate distractions such as texting or checking emails—even if you look away for a few seconds, life-changing injuries can happen instantly.
- As always, don’t consume alcohol if you plan on getting behind the wheel—designate a sober driver or arrange for rideshare.
You’ve Arrived, Now What?
On top of traveling, grilling is a quintessential activity during Labor Day celebrations. Did you know that between 2017 and 2021, over 11,000 fires were attributed to grills, leading to more than 22,000 hospital visits?
Before firing up the grill, remember to:
- Position your grill at a safe distance from your home and deck railings.
- Check your grill for dirt, sticks, or insects before turning it on. A clean grill is essential for safety.
- Properly turn on the grill by following these steps:
- Open the lid before igniting the grill.
- Turn on the propane tank.
- Gradually turn on the grill knobs.
- If the grill does not ignite immediately, wait five minutes before trying again.
- When finished, turn off the gas tank first before turning off the grill burners. This prevents excess gas from leaking out.
Want to learn more? View our latest safety blogs here!