Each year, Labor Day Weekend and the return of students to local schools create headaches for professional drivers. The following tips will help you navigate the change in traffic patterns and risks that you’ll likely be facing next month.
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day is Monday, September 4th this year. The weekend prior marks the unofficial end of summer, and the parties and gatherings that ensue often create hazards for drivers.
- On Labor Day Weekend the number of fatal and catastrophic accidents increase as more people drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Use caution and be prepared to use your best defensive driving skills if you observe someone driving while intoxicated (DWI).
- Do not confront any DWI drivers directly. Instead, call 911 to report anyone you suspect is DWI, based on erratic, dangerous or overly aggressive driving.
- Expect more traffic after Labor Day. Be patient and prepared with alternate routes to ensure your passengers arrive in a safe and timely manner.
- Be patient if you are delayed in Police DWI checkpoints. You and your passengers could have been the next victims of the drivers they are removing from the road.
Back to School
Just a few days after Labor Day, New York City schools are scheduled to start the coming school year on the week of September 8th.
- As children return to school, expect dangerous behaviors. Beware of kids j-walking, running into the road between cars and paying attention to hand-held devices instead of their surroundings. Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.
- Always STOP if you are approaching a school bus with a stop sign or flashing red lights – whether you are coming from the front or behind. It is THE LAW.
- Before you begin your shifts in early September, make a mental note of all the schools, playgrounds, and other locations frequented by children that you may be passing on a typical day.
