RAPID CITY, S.D. – It’s expected people will be enjoying one last summer blowout this weekend as the Labor Day weekend is forecast to be warm and sunny.

Law enforcement reminds people to enjoy the weekend and, if you’re drinking, get a ride or plan a designated driver because even a couple could be too many.

“They say buzzed driving is drunk driving. You don’t realize if you been at the lake all day – you might feel okay but that doesn’t necessarily mean your blood alcohol is okay and your reaction time is okay,” Lt. Thad Mason with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department said. “If you’ve been drinking just take the proactive approach of getting a ride or sober driver.”

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday, there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 505 fatalities, 170 involved a drunk driver.

According to the South Dakota Office of Accident Records, over the past five Labor Day weekends (2021–2025), impaired driving crashes have resulted in six fatalities and 51 injuries on South Dakota roadways. 

Mason said more deputies, police, and highway patrolmen will be patrolling over the weekend to accommodate the increase in traffic and activities.

“You’re going to see the deputies out and about throughout the entire county,” Mason said. “We’re going to be out on the highways at the places you don’t always see us to make sure everyone is having a good time but a safe time.”