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.*

Unlike traditional travel forecasts, Allstate's analysis focuses on how Americans drive: from speeding and hard braking to congestion and breakdowns. The data covers Labor Day week (Wednesday–Tuesday), comparing real-time driving behavior to average summer patterns.

Brian Dieringer, President of Allstate Roadside
"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, Aug. 27 and peaking Friday, Aug. 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% 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 said.

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

• Houston
• Atlanta
• Chicago

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.

For more driving insights, Allstate's 2025 America's Best Drivers Report reveals the safest and riskiest driving cities across the country, perfect for planning your next road trip.