Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) issues a national reminder: don’t risk lives by driving impaired over the Labor Day holiday. Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving crashes spike up to 40% during Labor Day weekends, making it one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.
Drunk driving deaths have increased by a staggering 31% over the past decade. To save lives, MADD is calling on everyone to do their part and plan ahead before the long weekend. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a car, a boat, a jet ski or a golf cart, making the reckless choice of impaired driving has devastating consequences.
“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.”
MADD is working closely with law enforcement and community partners nationwide to support prevention efforts, including education campaigns and public awareness initiatives like NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, and emphasizes the importance of enforcement to save lives.
The increase in impaired driving over Labor Day is especially dangerous for teens. The summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for underage drivers. MADD encourages families to have honest conversations with young drivers about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and never getting in the car with an impaired driver. Resources like the Power of Parents Handbook are available to guide those important discussions.
The lifesaving HALT Drunk Driving Law requires impaired driving prevention technology in all new vehicles—a change that can ultimately end this deadly public health crisis. Once in place, this passive technology is expected to save more than 10,000 lives each year and prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries. Until that day comes, MADD is proud to partner with law enforcement to continue their vital work to keep impaired drivers off our roads.
If you, or someone you love, has been the victim of impaired driving, support is available at no cost 24 hours a day via the MADD Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435) or www.MADD.org.MADD urges everyone to do their part this Labor Day: plan a safe ride, speak up if someone tries to drive impaired, and help keep their community safe.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by more than 40%, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and served nearly one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
