The latest AAA survey estimates a record 39.1 million Americans are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, and the National Safety council warns that Memorial Day remains one of the deadliest holidays for road travel.
Memorial Day was the second-deadliest holiday for road travel in 2024, with 451 deaths, according to data from the NHTSA. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and is always a 3.25-day weekend. Labor Day ranked highest at 149 deaths per day. Memorial Day remains dangerous for drivers simply because more vehicles are on the road; seat belt use drops and alcohol consumption increases, according to the National Safety Council.
About 38% of traffic fatalities during Memorial Day weekend in 2024 involved at least one alcohol-impaired driver. That was 8% higher than the national average of 30% that year.
The Iowa State Patrol and law enforcement across the state of Iowa continue the “Click It or Ticket” high visibility campaign through May 31st. Seatbelts remain the single best defense against serious injury and death on the road.