Trucks cross the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Labor Day weekend should be a time for rest, barbecues, and family road trips, but for many Americans, it has become one of the most dangerous weekends of the year on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving crashes increase by as much as 40 percent during Labor Day weekends, making it one of the deadliest holidays to travel. Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) has issued a nationwide reminder urging drivers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving in all forms, whether behind the wheel of a car, boat, jet ski, or even a golf cart.

A Deadly Trend on the Rise

The organization points to a grim statistic: drunk driving deaths have risen 31 percent over the past decade. Despite public awareness campaigns and tougher laws, thousands of lives are still lost each year due to impaired drivers.

“Labor Day should be a celebration of rest, connection, and community, not marked by tragedy,” said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of MADD. “The most important choice you can make this weekend is to not drive impaired and to stop others from doing so. That simple act can save you and your friends’ lives.”

Enforcement and Awareness Campaigns

To address the spike in impaired driving, MADD is working closely with law enforcement agencies nationwide. These efforts align with NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which emphasizes prevention through education, community outreach, and strict enforcement. Sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols are expected in many states throughout the weekend.

MADD leaders stress that while police presence is critical, prevention begins with personal responsibility. Choosing a designated driver, arranging for a rideshare, or staying overnight after celebrations are all simple ways to prevent tragedy.

A Dangerous Time for Teen Drivers

Labor Day also falls within what safety advocates call the ” 100 Deadliest Days,” the stretch of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen crash fatalities historically spike. Impaired driving poses an even greater risk to inexperienced drivers during this period.

MADD encourages parents and guardians to have candid conversations with teens about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, as well as the importance of never getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver. The organization offers resources like the Power of Parents Handbook to help families navigate these essential discussions.

Technology That Could Save Thousands of Lives

Looking ahead, MADD continues to advocate for the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which requires new vehicles to be equipped with impaired driving prevention technology. Once fully implemented, this passive technology could save more than 10,000 lives annually and prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries, according to projections.

Until then, MADD is committed to supporting law enforcement, victims, and survivors while pushing for stronger laws and safer roads.

Support for Victims

For those already impacted by impaired driving, MADD offers free support services. The MADD Victim Help Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435), providing resources, advocacy, and emotional support for victims and their families.

A Call to Action

This Labor Day, MADD urges everyone to take responsibility: Plan ahead if you intend to drink or use impairing substances.Speak up if someone you know tries to drive impaired.Please encourage others to make safe choices to protect themselves and their communities. Since its founding in 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 40 percent, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and supported almost 1 million victims and survivors. With continued public awareness, enforcement, and the promise of new vehicle technology, MADD hopes to one day end impaired driving for good.

For more information or to donate, visit madd.org.