With Independence Day weekend just around the corner, it is expected that the roads will be more crowded than usual. An analysis from the National Safety Council (NSC) found that roughly 599 lives will be lost in preventable crashes over Independence Day Weekend.
The holiday period, which is observed from July 3 at 6 p.m. to July 7 at 11:59 p.m. is one of the most dangerous times on the road due to an influx of drivers, so being extra cautious is crucial to remaining safe. While being attentive on the road is always essential, it is more critical now than ever.
“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.”
To find more safety tips, including how to prepare before you go, look before you lock, protect passengers and learn about in-vehicle safety technologies, visit nsc.org/saferoads.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.