by Marcus Brooks

Created on: September 01, 2008

Three out of four years, we have 364 days. Of those days, consider the average American is working 5 1/2 days a week. Because of the toil of worker long ago, there is one holiday that working people can have to themselves or share with family.

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." It also makes Jill pretty dull too. That is why the first week in September has one day of rest for the weary.

Labor Day weekend is celebrated nationwide. There are millions who retreat to the bosoms of family and friends. We stuff our faces at picnics and barbecues in the park, at a lake or in the mountains. Relaxing and re-connecting with loved ones are "must dos" during Labor Day weekend. However, with all the fun to have, there are "must not dos" this weekend as well.

1) Don't drive recklessly. There are thousands of cars on our roads. It's human nature to hurry to your destination, like a bat out of hell. Unfortunately, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend are the most dangerous holidays for travel. This year, there will be hundreds of death from drivers who are careless with their passengers. The interstates are expected to be clogged full of travelers venturing on vacation. Also, with Hurricane Gustav heading for the Gulf Coast, there are a million travelers evacuating Mississippi, Texas and Louisana. Be patient while you're driving.

2) Don't drink and drive. It's easy to crack a cold one while moving through heavy, intersate traffic. It will be a gridlock. Also, the state troopers won't see you! They're to be busy bothering others to give you a ticket! Only stupid people drink and drive. You're putting you, your passengers and other vacationers at risk with your selfishness. Leave your beer, wine and wine coolers in the cooler. Don't break the law because you're being inconvenienced. A good vacation is one where you make it back home alive.

3) Don't waste the opportunity to be with family. I shouldn't have to explain this one. My suggestion would be to read author and sport analyst, Mitch Albon's book, "For One More Day". It describes him wanting one more day to spend with his mother who recently passed. Our family is here one day, and then gone the next. I wish I could spend one more day with my grandma. Labor Day gives us the chance to be home, re-energize and not have to use sick days.

4) Don't drink alcohol for the entire weekend. That idea is just stupid and unnecessary!

5) Don't stay in bed all weekend. Unless you work graveyard shifts, there's no excuse to be laying around in your pajamas and boxers at 3 pm in the afternoon.

6) Don't speed on the way back home Monday night. Thousands of cars and trucks will be doing the same thing as you. They'll be driving on the highways all crazy. Unsafe driving is contagious and can be fatal. Safe and courteous driving can be contagious and will save your life. Choose safety over speed any day.

Heed these directions and enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.

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