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With Labor Day weekend just around the corner (August 29 – September 1, 2025), millions of Americans will hit the road to enjoy one last summer getaway. But the holiday also brings a troubling spike in drunk driving crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 1,200 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during the Labor Day period between 2018 and 2022, with 40% of all holiday traffic fatalities involving a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.
To help keep our community safe, SummitMedia Springfield Radio Group has partnered with J&S Automotive to remind everyone: never drink and drive. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, your family, and others on the road this holiday.
Data from NHTSA shows that the Labor Day holiday period (6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday) consistently has one of the highest proportions of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities of any holiday. In 2023 alone, 38% of all traffic deaths during the long weekend involved a drunk driver. The combination of end-of-summer parties, barbecues, and late-night celebrations often leads to poor judgment behind the wheel.
“The last thing we want is for a joyous weekend to turn into a tragedy,” says Sgt. Mark Hensley of the Springfield Police Department. “If you’re going to drink, plan for a safe ride home before you even leave the house.”
Never wait until you’ve had a few drinks to figure out how to get home. Choose a designated driver who will not drink alcohol at all. Many rideshare services — Uber, Lyft, local taxi companies — also offer easy options. Save the app on your phone now so you’re not fumbling later.
Even if a friend seems “fine,” alcohol impairs reaction time and decision-making long before you feel drunk. If you suspect your driver has had any alcohol, politely decline and call a rideshare or a sober friend instead.
If you’re throwing a Labor Day party, be a responsible host. Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the event ends. Watch for guests who appear intoxicated and offer to call them a ride.
J&S Automotive, a trusted local shop serving the Springfield area since 1998, recommends a quick safety check before any road trip. Brakes, tires, headlights, and windshield wipers are especially critical during heavy holiday traffic. They are offering a free 10-point safety inspection to all SummitMedia listeners this week — no appointment necessary.
“A well‑maintained car can help you avoid an accident even if another driver makes a mistake,” says Jeff Sanders, owner of J&S Automotive. “We want everyone to arrive safely.”
NHTSA advises that if you see a driver swerving, braking erratically, or driving without headlights after dark, pull over safely and call 911. Give the dispatcher the vehicle’s license plate, location, and direction of travel. Your call could save a life.
To support safe holiday travel, J&S Automotive is extending their free 10-point safety check through Labor Day weekend. Included in the inspection: brake pad thickness, tire tread and pressure, battery health, fluid levels, and exterior lights. Simply mention SummitMedia Radio when you book.
You can find J&S Automotive at 1234 Main Street, Springfield. Contact them at (555) 123-4567 or visit their website to schedule a quick stop‑in.
In Illinois, a first‑offense DUI can cost you up to $2,500 in fines, a minimum 1‑year license suspension, and even jail time. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to a zero‑tolerance suspension. Remember: a DUI is not just a legal headache — it’s a financial drain that can impact your job, insurance rates, and future.
Labor Day weekend should be about sharing great food, good company, and making memories — not about ending up in a hospital or a courtroom. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, the choice is simple: if you drink, don’t drive. And if you drive, don’t drink.
Follow J&S Automotive on Facebook for weekly car care tips and exclusive discounts. Follow J&S Automotive on YouTube for step‑by‑step maintenance videos.
This article was posted on August 28, 2025. Statistics sourced from NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts (2024) and the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
