For many people, Labor Day represents one last chance to frolic in the sun before sweater weather sets in.
Labor Day 2024 is expected to see 9% more travel than the previous year, according to AAA. And more of those adventurers will hit the road this year as the average price of gas in the U.S. is about 30 cents less than in 2023. AAA says gas prices are down because fewer people are driving overall, which has suppressed the demand for gas and therefore its price.
Top Labor Day destinations in the U.S. include Seattle, Orlando and Anchorage. For those traveling internationally, Vancouver, Rome and London will be hot Labor Day destinations, AAA reports.
More people on U.S. roads over the long holiday weekend means the pressure is on for drivers to ignore distractions in order to stay safe. That includes avoiding such risky behaviors behind the wheel as using social media, texting or talking on the phone.
"Before hitting the road, take steps to avoid distractions," advises Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of Workers Compensation and Transportation, Risk Control, at Travelers. "Set your GPS, ask a passenger to handle the music and pull over and take a break to eat, make a call or respond to texts. And, if you're a passenger or a parent, it's okay to speak up for safety. We all play a part in keeping everyone safe."
Forbes Advisor recently reported that some driving destinations are likely to be less risky than others. The publication used fatal accident statistics compiled by various federal government and insurance sources to determine where in the U.S. drivers are most prone to speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, driving while drowsy and ultimately causing fatal crashes.
The slideshow above illustrates the states in the U.S. where fatal accidents are statistically least likely to happen, based on research compiled by Forbes Advisor.
Distracted driving is among the most common dangerous-driving behavior. About one in three drivers admits to doing it, Travelers reports. Here are the insurance carrier's tips for avoiding driving distractions: |

• Stow your phone. Turning off the phone and putting it in "do not disturb" mode can help remove the temptation to browse online at a red light or respond right away to a text message.
• Vow not to multi-task. Anything that occupies your mind or vision can be a distraction behind the wheel. Make time at home to eat meals or put on makeup, so you can focus on the road.
• Plan your route before you go. Programming your navigation system while you drive can take your eyes off the road. It's better to ask a passenger to do it or to enter your destination before you leave home.
• Speak up. If you see someone texting or otherwise driving while distracted, say something and let them know that you are not comfortable with that behavior. Encourage your teens to do the same when they are passengers in a friend's car. It could save a life.

Related: U.S. states with the worst drivers in 2024