“Data show 40% of fatalities during the July 4 holiday period involve an alcohol-impaired driver, one of the highest percentages among all the major holidays, which makes staying safe on the roads even more crucial,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC. “Anyone who has lost a loved one to a motor vehicle crash knows all too well the immense, devastatingly real and truly tragic impact it has on families, friends, neighbors and entire communities. From buckling up, slowing down and driving free of distraction and impairment to demanding safer roads and safer speeds, we all can and must take action to be safe. The lives of our loved ones may depend on it.”
1. Prepare before you go: Before hitting the road, make sure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check the oil, put air in the tires, and check for and repair open recalls. Visit ChecktoProtect.org to see if your vehicle has an open recall, and get it repaired for free.
2. Drive distraction-free: Carlos was lucky. Thousands have died in crashes involving cell phone use. Put your phones away and #JustDrive.
3. Slow down: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit and do not exceed it. Be sure to pay attention to those walking and biking in order to keep all road users safe.
4. Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation: Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, including opioids, marijuana and some over-the-counter medicines, can cause drowsiness, alter visual functions and affect mental judgement and motor skills.
5. Avoid fatigued driving: Drowsy driving is impaired driving. Getting behind the wheel while fatigued can be deadly. Ensure you are well-rested before you get on the road.
6. Buckle up: Seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives. Every occupant should buckle up appropriately; teens have the lowest rates of seat belt use among all age groups.
7. Protect vulnerable passengers: Child safety seats significantly reduce the risk of infant and toddler deaths. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing a car seat. If you need help, visit the National Child Passenger Safety Board at cpsboard.org to find a certified technician near you.
8. Look before you lock: An average of 37 children died in hot cars each year. Make it a priority to ensure you don’t leave the car without your child passengers when special circumstances break your routine. The temperature in your vehicle can increase up to 19 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 minutes after parking and turning off the engine. Visit nsc.org/HotCars to learn more.
9. Understand your vehicle’s on-board safety systems: Hundreds of millions of cars have safety technologies – new and old – that help reduce the risk of crashes and deaths. But even the most advanced safety feature cannot replace a safe, focused driver in the car. Visit MyCarDoesWhat.org to learn more.
10. Take an alternate path: For shorter trips, consider leaving the car at home and finding a safe biking or walking route to get when you’re headed.
11. Watch for all road users: Bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users may be more common this holiday weekend. Respect all road users and give everyone around you space to be safe.
Review supplemental information about the preliminary estimates and additional motor vehicle data and research at injuryfacts.nsc.org.