National Safety Council estimates 418 fatalities from crashes this Thanksgiving holiday weekend

Council provides tips to stay safe this busy holiday season

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Nov 17, 2014, 10:24 ET

ITASCA, Ill., Nov. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council estimates 418* traffic fatalities and another 44,700 injuries requiring medical attention may occur from car crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It is estimated that 153 lives will be saved Thanksgiving weekend because of people wearing their safety belts.

Evaluation of Recent Thanksgiving Day Holiday Period Estimates

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

Year	Estimate	90% Confidence Interval	Actual
2007	564	499-635	542
2008	479	415-551	484
2009	447	392-508	401
2010	441	378-513	417
2011	434	368-509	375
2012	451	384-528	405

"A hallmark of Thanksgiving is traveling to be with family and friends, but whether it involves a short drive or a long road trip, the same risks apply," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, NSC president and CEO. "Sensible precautions can make the difference between a safe visit home or an unwelcome trip to the emergency room."

NSC recommends the following tips to stay safe on the roads this Thanksgiving weekend:

Buckle up every trip, every time – even when traveling short distances
Refrain from all electronic device use – including hands-free – behind the wheel
Secure children in size-appropriate restraints
Do not drink and drive as impairment begins with the first drink – if you drink, designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation
Plan ahead and drive defensively, especially during bad weather

The Thanksgiving holiday period begins at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, November 30. Find more seasonal safety tips at nsc.org.

*Supplemental Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Fatality Estimate Detail

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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SOURCE National Safety Council