LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2024) — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is urging the community to prioritize safety and be prepared for emergencies on the road this Labor Day weekend. This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 2, marking the end of a record-breaking travel season. Travel during the final long weekend of summer will be busy within the U.S., with domestic travel up by 9% from last year, according to AAA.

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Joanne Nowlin, chief executive officer of the Red Cross Los Angeles Region, emphasized the importance of being prepared before starting any trip.

“We want everyone to enjoy their Labor Day weekend, but it is crucial that drivers take precautions and remain alert on the roads, especially with increased traffic and potential hazards,” she said.

As California is predicted to be one of the top destinations for the holiday weekend, even local driving can become challenging. The Red Cross advises drivers to have an emergency kit in their vehicles year-round.

“You never know when an emergency can happen,” said Nowlin. “Having the right supplies and information can help you navigate through any emergency situation.”

Prepare an emergency kit for your car

The Red Cross recommends including the following items in your car's emergency kit:

High protein snacks, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, blanket, jumper cables, map, cellphone charger and an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers.

Labor Day weekend is known to be one of the deadliest holidays for motor vehicle fatal crashes, behind only the Fourth of July in 2021, according to National Safety Council (NSC) statistics. The NSC analysis reveals that 455 people may lose their lives in preventable traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend, with more than 50,000 injuries because of these crashes.

Red Cross safe driving tips:

1. Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. Clean your headlights and turn them on as dusk approaches or in inclement weather.
2. Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver available.
3. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
4. Use caution in work zones. There are lots of construction projects underway on the highways.
5. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.

Emergency information at your fingertips

To stay prepared for any unexpected situations, download the free Red Cross apps. The Red Cross Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts, information on open shelters and expert advice on disasters. The Red Cross First Aid app gives instant access to information on how to handle common injuries and provides steps for more serious situations like performing lifesaving CPR. All Red Cross apps are compatible with smartphones, Apple Watch and Android wearable devices. Search for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps.

Learn more from AAA

AAA was founded over 115 years ago for the purpose of lobbying for driver and passenger rights, fair laws and safer vehicles — all to better promote the love of the open road and the adventure of driving. Since then, AAA has grown to over 60 million members strong, while providing valuable membership services such as roadside assistance.

Learn more from the National Safety Council

As America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate for nearly 110 years, the National Safety Council is a mission-based organization working to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing its efforts on the workplace and roadways. For more information, go to nsc.org. For additional Labor Day holiday fatality estimates and motor vehicle data and research, visit injuryfacts.nsc.org.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.