The National Safety Council Encourages People to Stay Safe on the Roads this Independence Day Weekend
Injuries and Fatalities are high; the NSC created a list to help keep safe.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Jun 30, 2021
Safety first is the motto. Independence Day is right around the corner, dangerous driving, unfortunately makes a huge appearance this holiday. The National Safety Council (NSC) urges roadway users to exercise more precautions than usual this weekend. July 4, 2021 falls on a Sunday this year, extending the holiday to Monday, making it especially important to maintain a 100 percent focus on the roads.
“According to our estimates, 400-580 people may die on U.S. roads during the holiday weekend,” said Mark Chung, NSC vice president, roadway practice. “The National Safety Council calls on everyone planning to travel for the holiday to follow our safe driving tips to ensure you get to where you want to go as safely as possible. Your life and those you love may depend on it.”
Florida Highway Patrolman, Carlos Rosario, survived a roadway crash while he was on the job. He was hit by a distracted driver on the side of the highway by a distracted driver, sending him flying, hitting the car, landing for fellow troopers to find him. Despite his life-threatening injuries, Rosario returned to work, fully recovered, less than two years after the accident.
“I look around and everyone is on their phone. This is really serious, and I am on fire to educate people to let them know to put it down,” said Rosario. “Don’t use your phone while you are driving!”
Here are six tips for safer roads this weekend, according to an article:
1. Drive distraction-free: Thousands have died in crashes involving cell phone use. Put your phones away and #JustDrive.
2. Slow down: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Do not exceed the speed limit and be sure to pay attention for those walking and biking in order to keep all road users safe.
3. Designate a sober driver: or arrange alternative mode of transportation. Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, including opioid, cannabis and some over-the-counter medicines – can impair drivers by causing drowsiness, altering visual functions and affecting mental judgement and motor skills.
4. Buckle up: Seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives. Buckle up and make sure you have the appropriate car seats installed correctly for children.
5. Look before you lock: Last year, 25 children died in hot cars. With temperatures rising across the country and the special occasion breaking routine, make it a priority to ensure you don’t leave the car without your child passengers.
6. 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.
For more tips click here. Form more data and research click here.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.