Speeding up nearly 60%, distraction up 8% on Labor Day; 9% more fatalities over the holiday weekend

Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) says the last taste of summer comes with an increased risk of road accidents.

Overall, CMT found that speeding was 59.5% higher compared to typical Mondays, surging 133.5% at 7 a.m.. Drivers spent over 4 minutes per hour speeding, which is more than double the norm.

Since 2010, there have been 9% more traffic fatalities during Labor Day weekend compared to the weekends before and after the holiday, with Labor Day seeing an average of over 120 traffic deaths per day. That’s 24% higher than Thanksgiving and 28% higher than Christmas.

CMT’s latest analysis compares Labor Day driving from 2022 to 2024 to Mondays in the surrounding weeks, and compares the full holiday weekend, Friday through Sunday, to the weekends before and after the holiday.

Distracted driving and speeding increased significantly on Labor Day, while over the weekend, distraction remained nearly unchanged, rising less than 1%. However, speeding spiked 6.6% on Friday and 6.3% Saturday.

CMT defines distracted driving as tapping on the phone screen while driving over 9 mph, and speeding as traveling 9.3 mph over the speed limit for at least 300 feet, or about the length of a football field.

Distracted driving jumped 8.3% on Labor Day compared to the surrounding Mondays. Drivers spent 2 minutes and 15 seconds per hour distracted, up about 10 seconds. The gap in distracted driving on Labor Day rises early — already up by 10.5% at 9 a.m., and then between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., when there is 5% more traffic, distraction is 14% higher, according to CMT.

“From late morning through early afternoon, distraction time holds steady, averaging about 2 minutes and 17 seconds per hour,” CMT wrote. “Instead of dipping in the late afternoon, as usual, distraction spikes between 4 and 5 p.m. — 17.2% above normal. After 6 p.m., distraction gradually returns to typical levels.”

“While traffic is 72% lighter at that time, the risk quickly ramps up,” CMT wrote. “At 10 a.m., traffic is 6.8% higher than usual, and speeding is up 49%. Traffic and speeding remain elevated over the next three hours. Speeding remains 48% above normal — making it one of the riskiest stretches of the day.”

Speeding continues to climb in the afternoon. From 3 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., drivers average 2 minutes and 58 seconds speeding per hour, an 84.5% increase. The gap narrows after 7 p.m., but speeding was still 29.5% higher than usual.

“On Fridays, speeding surges over 10% in the early morning before returning to typical levels by late morning,” CMT wrote. “It rises again in the early evening, up 8% between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. During this window, people are likely wrapping up work and heading into the weekend. By 9 p.m., it climbs even higher, jumping 10.8%.

“Saturday also starts off with a morning speeding surge of 8.6%. This spike could be from drivers who didn’t travel on Friday. From noon to 7 p.m., speeding stays consistently elevated, averaging 5-7% above normal. Labor Day clearly brings a surge in risky driving that extends beyond the holiday itself.”

The National Safety Council estimates 424 individuals may die in preventable traffic crashes during the 2025 Labor Day holiday period, from 6 p.m. Central Time today to 11:59 p.m. on Monday.

“The increased risk of motor vehicle crashes during Labor Day weekend poses a significant threat to the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists,” an NSC press release states. “With millions of Americans traveling for the holiday and celebrating the end of summer, roadways see heightened traffic and increased crash risk. Data shows that 36% of traffic fatalities that occur throughout the Labor Day period involve an alcohol-impaired driver.”

Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC, added, “Labor Day weekend travel requires extra caution. We’re still in the most dangerous season for roadway users, and everyone plays a role in preventing avoidable tragedies. Drivers who plan on traveling during Labor Day weekend must exercise increased caution and take the necessary steps to arrive safely.”

NSC urges drivers to take these steps to prevent crashes and save lives:

• • Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin, or use a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation;
  • Host responsibly to ensure guests have a safe way home;
  • Never drive impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other substances;
  • Wear your seatbelt; and
  • Speak up if someone you know is about to drive impaired; take the keys and help them get home safely.

Preparation also includes making sure your vehicle is ready to go for a weekend trip, according to AAA.

Last Labor Day holiday weekend, AAA responded to more than 383,000 calls from stranded motorists.

“Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and our roadside assistance teams are fully prepared to help those in need,” said Stephanie Milani, AAA spokeswoman for AAA, in a press release. “However, taking preventative steps before hitting the road can often mean the difference between an enjoyable trip and an unwanted interruption. A simple vehicle inspection can save time, money, and stress while keeping everyone safer.”

Before heading out, AAA recommends drivers check the following components to ensure their vehicles are road-ready for the holiday weekend:

• • Tires: Inspect tread depth and proper inflation, including the spare tire;
  • Battery: Test for signs of wear, such as slow engine starts or dim lights, and replace if needed;
  • Brakes: Listen for grinding noises or vibrations, which may signal a need for service;
  • Wiper blades: Replace if they streak or fail to clear the windshield effectively; and
  • Fluids: Check and top off oil, coolant, and brake fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Drivers are also encouraged to restock their emergency kits with critical supplies, such as first-aid items, a flashlight, water, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit.

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