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