#United States #Thanksgiving Safety #NSC #Traffic Fatalities #Itasca

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Alert: Over 500 Lives at Risk

As Thanksgiving approaches, the National Safety Council (NSC) has issued a stark warning: over 502 individuals may tragically lose their lives in preventable traffic accidents during the holiday weekend. This statistic highlights the dangerous reality on America's roads, particularly during a time known for family gatherings and celebrations.

The Thanksgiving holiday period this year runs from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. During this timeframe, impaired driving poses a significant threat, with alcohol-related crashes accounting for 32% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. Alarmingly, during the Thanksgiving Day period specifically, 35% of all fatalities involved drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Mark Chung, the executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC, emphasized the multifaceted nature of impairment. “Impairment can stem not only from alcohol but also from drugs, fatigue, and byproducts of distraction or a combination of these factors,” he stated. “As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s critical to make safe decisions before getting behind the wheel. Choosing to drive alert and sober or arranging for alternative transportation options can save lives.”

Key Safety Recommendations

To curb the alarming trend of holiday traffic fatalities, the NSC urges drivers to adhere to several crucial safety measures:
1. Avoid Impairment: Ensure you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when driving. Plan ahead, use public transportation, or designate a sober driver.
2. Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do as well. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash.
3. Drive Defensively: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and anticipate potential hazards.
4. Stay Focused: Avoid distractions such as mobile phones while driving. An attentive driver is a safer driver.
5. Respect Speed Limits: Excessive speed increases the severity of accidents. Slow down and adjust your driving speed according to road conditions.

Beyond individual decisions, Chung advocates for community and state actions to improve road safety. Local governments are encouraged to evaluate roadway designs critically, ensuring that infrastructure supports safe driving practices. The Safe System Approach aims to create comprehensive initiatives that address a variety of safety concerns, including safe vehicles, proper speed limits, effective road design, and robust post-crash care systems.

For further resources, drivers can visit nsc.org/saferoads and nsc.org/roadtozero to learn how organizations are working towards zero traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Conclusion

As families make plans to travel this holiday season, keeping traffic safety top of mind can help prevent unnecessary tragedies. The National Safety Council’s warning serves as a critical reminder that lives can be saved through simple, responsible choices. Let's commit to safer roads this Thanksgiving and beyond.