Labor Day Traffic: When to Go, What to Know

• Plan for a safe, sober ride this Labor Day weekend:
• Schedule a rideshare
• Call a taxi
•  Have a sober friend drive you home.

The American Auto Asssociation (AAA) repeated the sober driving advice, adding some other important safe driving tips:

• Watch Your Speed: Excessive speed is a factor in nearly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Maintain a safe and steady pace.
• Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes. Focus solely on the road—put away phones and other distractions.
• Don’t Drive Impaired: Alcohol and drugs severely impact judgment and reaction time. Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service.
• Rest and Stay Alert: Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Take regular breaks to stay refreshed.
• Buckle Up: Seatbelts reduce the risk of severe injury or death. Fasten your seatbelt for every trip, regardless of distance.

AAA also notes summer gas prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.33 on Labor Day. Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year. So far in 2025, gas prices have seen few fluctuations thanks to steady crude oil prices. 

RIDOT Road Work Advisories to mind during Labor Day Traffic

The RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is conducting numerous construction projects throughout the state, some of them requiring recent lane and exit closures. If it’s been a few weeks or more since you last visited or drove through a certain spot, complications to Labor Day traffic may include navigating some of these traffic pattern changes. RIDOT maintains a list of various RI traffic advisories you should check before heading out to your holiday destination, whether that’s somewhere within Rhode Island or outside Rhode Island, since you’l be on Ocean State roads either way.

AAA Car Maintenance Pre-Check Tips for Labor Day Traffic

Last Labor Day holiday weekend, AAA reports it responded to more than 383,000 calls from stranded motorists, highlighting the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and road safety practices. AAA urges drivers to plan their trips carefully and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of car trouble and accidents over the holiday period.

“Labor Day weekend marks one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and our roadside assistance crews are ready to respond swiftly to those in need,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Still, a few proactive measures before heading out can make all the difference. A quick vehicle check can help avoid unexpected breakdowns, saving time, money, and stress—and most importantly, keeping everyone safe on the road.”

Essential Vehicle Maintenance Tips 

Before heading out, AAA recommends drivers check the following components to ensure their vehicles are road-ready for the holiday weekend:

• Tires: Inspect tread depth and proper inflation, including the spare tire.
• Battery: Test for signs of wear, such as slow engine starts or dim lights, and replace if needed.
• Brakes: Listen for grinding noises or vibrations, which may signal a need for service.
• Wiper Blades: Replace if they streak or fail to clear the windshield effectively.
• Fluids: Check and top off oil, coolant, and brake fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual.