Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 1, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is urging all Nevadans to prioritize safety and be prepared for emergencies on the road this Labor Day weekend. With more than 37 million Americans driving to their destinations, the National Safety Council (NSC) predicts more than 50,000 injuries resulting from traffic crashes nationwide during the holiday weekend.
Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter, 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 Las Vegas 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 Flanigan. “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 Fourth of July in 2021, according to 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 as a result of these crashes.
Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC, stated, “Preventable roadway crashes are still at exceedingly high levels, and every fatality statistic represents a lost family member, friend, loved one, colleague and community member.”
Red Cross safe driving tips
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 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
