National Safety Council Estimates Nearly 400 Fatalities from Crashes this Labor Day Weekend

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Aug 20, 2013, 02:58 ET

Council encourages drivers to use extra caution to keep our roadways safe

ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council today released its estimates of fatalities from traffic crashes for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. The Council estimates 394 traffic fatalities and another 42,200 medically consulted injuries may occur over the traditional end-of-summer weekend from motor vehicle collisions. An evaluation of recent Labor Day holiday period fatality estimates is shown in the table below.

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. (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council) (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council)

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Evaluation of Recent Labor Day Holiday Period Estimates

Year	Estimate	90% Confidence Interval	Actual
2006	533	477-595	487
2007	490	440-544	508
2008	439	384-501	473
2009	404	356-457	351
2010	368	320-422	390
2011	400	337-472	373

It also is estimated that 143 lives may be saved this Labor Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 99 lives could be saved if all wore seat belts.

"NSC issues fatality estimates for major holiday periods to draw attention to the need for drivers to exercise safe driving practices, especially when a significant number of drivers are expected to be on our nation's roads," said Janet Froetscher, NSC president and CEO.

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

Establish and enforce a distraction-free zone, especially in cars equipped with electronic devices including cell phones, global positioning systems and other in-vehicle technology
Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in safety seats appropriate for their age and size
Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed
Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather
Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation, such as a taxi

Supplemental Labor 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