Wisconsinites take whatever opportunities they can to enjoy themselves outside when the weather cooperates. While the end of summer can be sad, Labor Day weekend provides one more chance for seasonal activities.
However, an increased interest in getting outdoors leads to more travelers on the road, causing delays in driving time. Labor Day weekend is the second-deadliest major holiday period for traffic fatalities. How can Wisconsin drivers keep themselves safe and get to their destination quickly?
Some travel times are better than others
A 2018 report looked at data from previous Labor Day weekends to assess driver behavior and determine when the safest and most unsafe times are to hit the road.
Drivers who want to avoid traffic should schedule their drive time between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., either on Friday or Saturday. If you can't leave on Friday, do something fun outdoors at home in the evening and wait to leave until the next day. Afternoon rush hour on Friday is particularly bad for accidents, and the 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. block afterward is sometimes worse.
When it's time to go home on Monday, another early departure - such as before noon - is best. Traffic peaks on Monday at 3 p.m. and you can get home to get chores done before work the next day.
Anyone traveling by plane this Labor Day weekend will still experience congestion. Last year around 16.5 million people were expected to fly between Wednesday and Tuesday of Labor Day weekend, with Friday being the busiest day. Plan your arrival times at the airport accordingly.
No matter what time you travel to and from your Labor Day weekend adventures, stay safe on the road so you can enjoy the summer weather while it's still here.