NTSB Advocates Safety for July 4 Celebration
National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker prompted Americans to keep safety in mind when celebrating our nation's independence this Fourth of July weekend.
"Everyone enjoys celebrating Independence Day - and it is important to do so," said Rosenker. "The NTSB would simply like to remind Americans to take some time to think about the safety of themselves as well as others while enjoying the festivities."
Rosenker stressed several issues to keep in mind this holiday weekend, particularly highway safety. Highway transportation accounts for more than 90 percent of all transportation fatalities in the United States today. As a result, NTSB has long campaigned for safety improvements for highway travel, including mandatory seat belt laws, child restraints, and advocacy against hard core drinking and driving.
The chairman urged partygoers to not operate motor vehicles or boats of any kind if they have consumed any alcoholic beverages. "Getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol endangers not only your own life, but the lives as others as well."
Other safety procedures to be mindful of this Fourth of July include the following: