Allstate Reveals Worst Cities for Labor Day Driving

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and new insights from Allstate’s Drivewise, a safe driving program available in the Allstate app, reveals exactly when and where drivers face the most risk, based on millions of trips logged nationwide.

Data is based on aggregated and anonymized national Drivewise driving info comparing the 2024 Labor Day holiday period (Wednesday, August 28–Tuesday, September 3) to daily average driving behavior in 2024. Drivewise, a voluntary safe driving program customers can choose to enroll in, helps drivers earn a personalized auto insurance rate based on their everyday driving. Customers can save just for signing up and staying active, while avoiding risky behaviors such as speeding, sudden braking, using their phone or late-night driving which may cause the price they pay to increase.

Brian Dieringer, president of Allstate Roadside, said: “We see driving habits really change over Labor Day weekend. You’ve got fewer drivers slamming on the brakes and more stepping on the gas, which is a clear sign people are trading the daily commute for a road trip.”

Where the roads will be busiest

These cities are projected to see the greatest increases in out-of-state drivers:

Nashville
Colorado Springs
Las Vegas
Austin
San Antonio

Expect slowdowns on these major metro routes:

Atlanta – I-85, I-75, I-20
Houston – I-10, I-45
Chicago – I-90, I-94
Philadelphia – I-95
Dallas – U.S. 75

Best and worst times to hit the road

Prepare for travel to ramp up before the holiday, beginning Wednesday, August 27 and peaking Friday, August 29.

Best times to travel

Morning hours (7–11 a.m.) on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Evenings after 7 p.m. for Thursday departures and Tuesday returns

Worst times to travel

Afternoons (3–7 p.m.) from Wednesday through Tuesday

Pro tip: Planning your trip around these peak windows can help you avoid congestion and risky driving conditions. Drivewise provides feedback on your driving behavior, helping you make smarter decisions behind the wheel.

Roadside breakdowns surge after the holiday

While most travelers focus on the weekend itself, Allstate Roadside data shows the real trouble starts Tuesday, the day after Labor Day. Breakdowns spike nearly 25 percent as Americans return to work and school, making it one of the most likely days of the summer to need roadside assistance.

“Allstate Roadside sees a surge in calls the day after Labor Day. It’s partly due to increased wear from holiday travel, but also from the fact that many repair shops are closed over the holiday weekend and the rush to get back to normal routines,” Dieringer added.

Breakdown hotspots

Top cities for roadside issues and vehicle breakdowns during Labor Day travel include:

Pro tip: Don’t just prep the car you’re taking. Check the one you’re leaving behind too. Many jumpstarts and tire changes happen to vehicles left idle at home. Allstate Roadside covers you whether you’re on the road or returning to a car that’s been parked all weekend.

Source: Allstate

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