NSC Says 724 May Be Killed on the Roads Over the Holidays
The National Safety Council offers tips on how to stay safe on the roads during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 340 people could be killed on the road over the Christmas holiday, while 384 could be killed during the New Year’s holiday.
Seat belts are said to play a part in those numbers not being higher. It is estimated that seat belts could save 287 lives over the two holiday periods.
“A safe travel season could help instill much-needed hope as we start a new year and close an unrelenting one,” said Lorraine M. Martin, CEO and president of NSC. “We can all do our part by buckling up, driving sober, slowing down, avoiding distractions and looking out for one another.”
It is important that drivers are sober, as 37 percent of Christmas holiday deaths tend to involve alcohol, while 39 percent of deaths during the New Year’s holiday involve alcohol. The NSC encourages drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, as well as make sure that car seats are correctly installed if being used.
If alcohol will be consumed, people should have a designated driver or use alternate transportation.