Labor Day journey: What drivers must know

Driver conduct a high concern

DOT officers say driver conduct is the most important concern the division sees throughout vacation journey.

“You know the easiest thing for drivers to do to modify their behavior to make sure the roads are safer is put away the phone and avoid all distractions,” mentioned Mark Kantola, Northeast Region communications supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. “If you look down at a text, two lines, and then look back up, you’ve covered the length of a football field without seeing what’s there.”

Drivers are additionally urged to make use of warning in development zones. Crews will cease working at midday Saturday, however decrease pace limits of 55 or 60 mph in these zones nonetheless apply even when no employees are current.

“You still need to follow those lower speed limits in the construction zone even if there are no workers present and working,” mentioned Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA. “That’s really to protect you as much as it is to protect them because of the uneven pavement and unusual lane configurations that may be present in those zones.”

Aerial enforcement in Outagamie County

Drivers touring by way of Outagamie County will cross by way of an aerial enforcement zone, the place Wisconsin State Patrol will use plane to observe roads and dashing.

“These are tactics thought the law enforcement and state patrol to stop that dangerous behavior and it really does work,” Kantola mentioned. “Because people know the planes up there in Outagamie County and if you’re breaking speed laws in Outagamie County on the 5th, you stand a much higher chance of getting a ticket.”

Impaired driving assets obtainable

AAA is launching its Tow-to-Go service this weekend for drivers who really feel they need to not get behind the wheel.

“So that if you do find yourself in a position where you feel like you don’t have any other option than to get in your vehicle when you know you shouldn’t, you can call our special 1-800 number even if you aren’t a Triple A member and get a ride home for yourself as well as your car so you don’t have to worry about leaving it somewhere overnight,” Jarmusz mentioned.

To name for Tow-to-Go, name (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. It’s obtainable 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026 – 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026.