National Safety Council: 395 Americans may be killed on roads this Labor Day holiday

Defensive driving can make all the difference

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Sep 01, 2015, 11:30 ET

ITASCA, Ill., Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council estimates 395 people will be killed and another 47,800 will be seriously injured in car crashes during the upcoming Labor Day holiday period,[i] which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. The three-day period falls in the midst of what could be the most deadly year on our roads since 2007. The National Safety Council estimates overall traffic deaths are up 14 percent through the first six months of 2015 compared with the same period in 2014. Serious injuries are up 30 percent.[ii]

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.

"Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer as families celebrate a last holiday before they fall back into a regular school and work routine," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "But save the reverie for the backyard BBQs. When you are on the roads, be alert and drive defensively - making smart decisions could be the difference between a relaxing long weekend and one spent in the emergency room."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 87 percent of vehicle occupants wear seat belts. The 13 percent of drivers and passengers who do not wear belts accounted for 44.7 percent of fatalities in 2014, according to NHTSA. An estimated 150 lives may be saved this Labor Day holiday because of seat belts.[iii] NSC recommends buckling up every trip, every time – even when traveling a short distance.

Other tips to ensure a safer Labor Day holiday include:

Designate an alcohol and drug-free driver or arrange alternate transportation
Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free
Do not allow teens to drive with their friends. A single young passenger can increase a teen driver's fatal crash risk 44 percent.[iv]
Learn about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them. My Car Does What can help drivers understand the ins and outs of features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning systems and backup cameras.

Supplemental traffic fatality estimates information can be found here.

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.

Connect with NSC:
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[i] According to NSC analysis. "Serious injuries" are classified as those requiring medical attention.
[ii] According to NSC analysis. "Serious injuries" are classified as those requiring medical attention.
[iii] According to NSC analysis.
[iv] According to Johns Hopkins University

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SOURCE National Safety Council