National Safety Council Provides Tips to Stay Safe this 4th of July

540 Fatal Crashes Estimated this Independence Day Holiday

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Jun 30, 2013, 10:00 ET

ITASCA, Ill., June 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council today released its estimates of fatalities from traffic crashes for the upcoming Independence Day holiday period, which begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. The Council estimates 540 traffic fatalities and another 57,800 medically consulted injuries may occur due to motor vehicle collisions.

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It also is estimated that 196 lives may be saved this Independence Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 135 lives could be saved if all wore seat belts.

Supplemental Independence Day Holiday Traffic Fatality Estimate Detail

To ensure a safe Independence Day holiday weekend, NSC recommends drivers:

Refrain from using cell phones while driving
Put your cell phone on silent or in the glove box to avoid temptation
Safely pull over and put the vehicle in park to take or make a call
Always wear a safety belt – every trip, every time
Make sure every passenger is wearing his or her safety belt before you begin your drive
Have children sit in the back and use the proper child safety seat or booster seat
Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, especially during hot weather
If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver

Firework Safety:
The safest way to enjoy the 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks – older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
Light fireworks one at a time, in a clear outdoor area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials
Do not aim fireworks at another individual and never place any part of your body over a firework
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire, and do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

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