The end of summer is upon us and is traditionally marked by the Labor Day weekend. This holiday weekend is a time for America to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans and enjoy the last few days of summer before fall and winter approach. Whether you are going to the lake, sitting by the pool, or having a BBQ with friends, keep in mind that the Labor Day weekend is also one of the deadliest, with drunk drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.

During the 2022 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. September 2-5:59 a.m. September 6), there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 490 traffic crash fatalities, 39% (190) involved a drunk driver, and a quarter (25%) involved drivers who were driving with a BAC almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2022, 47% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.

Drivers should be safe during this Labor Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get home. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa. gov / r i sky- dr ivi ng / drunk-driving.