Don't be a Labor Day weekend statistic Published Sept. 3, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Labor Day weekend safety reminder This Labor Day weekend marks the end of the Critical Days of Summer Campaign. The Air Force has suffered 13 fatalities during the CDS, but none have occurred during holiday weekends. Team Sheppard is encouraged to engage and celebrate the holiday while being aware of the potential for increased incidents and mishaps that are too often connected to long weekends. Make sure wingmen are safe and are practicing the good safety habits Team Sheppard upholds every day. Make it a goal to maintain the trend during the holiday weekend and ensure the last weekend of CDS is fatality and mishap free. Labor Day history Labor Day has been celebrated in the U.S. for more than 100 years. The origin of the celebration began in New York City, N.Y., after thousands of workers from the city marched in Union Square. Following the march, the participants had a picnic, concert and had a series of speakers organized for the event. Although there are variations of the exact definition of the holiday, the United States Department of Labor states the day was "a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." Labor Day weekend 2010 statistics National Safety Council: - Estimates there will be 368 deaths and 19,900 disabling injuries during the Labor Day weekend Sept. 3-6. - The last six-year average totaled 490 traffic fatalities. Of the traffic fatalities, a 45 percent fatality reduction was estimated if seatbelts were used. American Automobile Association: - Estimates the Labor Day traffic will increase by 10 percent during the holiday weekend. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: - Predicts 8 percent of all drivers are drunk behind the wheel. - Last year, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers made over 600 driving-while-intoxicated arrests last Labor Day.