08/31/2026
Labor Day weekend is a wonderful time to celebrate the unofficial end of summer, but staying safe requires a bit of extra planning on the road and in the water. Since highways experience a major surge in traffic over the holiday weekend, it is crucial to practice defensive driving, strictly obey speed limits, and never drive under the influence. If your celebrations involve a trip to the beach, lake, or pool, ensure that swimmers of all skill levels wear life jackets when boating, and never leave children unattended near water. Staying alert and assigning a designated driver or "water watcher" can prevent accidents and ensure the holiday weekend remains celebratory.
Enjoying the long weekend also means taking care of your health during outdoor cookouts and late-summer heatwaves. When grilling, keep your equipment at least ten feet away from houses, deck railings, and overhanging branches, and never leave a hot grill unattended. To protect yourself from foodborne illnesses, keep perishable foods chilled in a cooler until they go onto the grill, and do not let cooked food sit out in the sun for more than an hour. Finally, remember to stay thoroughly hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently to avoid severe sunburns while enjoying the sun.