National Road Safety Foundation Promotes Safe Driving This Summer During 'The 100 Safest Days'

National Road Safety Foundation Launches 'The 100 Safest Days'

As Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of what many traffic safety experts call "the 100 deadliest days," the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) urges a cultural shift towards safer driving among young drivers and their families. This period, which extends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, has historically shown more than a 20 percent increase in teen traffic fatalities compared to the rest of the year. Tragically, this equates to approximately seven deaths daily, with about 2,100 teen drivers involved in fatal accidents annually.

The NRSF, in collaboration with many traffic safety advocacy groups, including Impact Teen Drivers and SADD, is launching a campaign aimed at promoting safe driving and reducing these alarming statistics. Their goal is clear: to transform the summer months into "The 100 Safest Days" by fostering awareness and educating young drivers and their parents about responsible road behaviors.

Michelle Anderson, director of operations at the NRSF, describes the ongoing risk during this season: "We want summer to be a joyful time for families, not a season marked by tragedy on the roads." To achieve this, the campaign will not only focus on teens but also rally parents to actively participate in discussions about safe driving practices.

Driving Safety Concerns

The NRSF's efforts aim to address several dangerous driving habits, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and the importance of seat belt use. Additionally, a major component of the campaign is to encourage passengers to speak out against unsafe driving practices when they observe them.

A comprehensive website has been created to support these initiatives, providing valuable resources for parents to engage with their young drivers about road safety. The site, launching soon at www.100safestdaysofsummer, will house a plethora of educational materials emphasizing crucial traffic safety issues affecting teens. This online resource will also feature the active participation of various coalition members, including the Brain Injury Alliance-New Jersey and the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition.

A Serious Concern

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal a troubling trend over the years. While the total number of fatalities in traffic crashes fell to 39,354 last year—a four percent decrease from the prior year—it is essential to note that the summer months still represent a significant risk for young drivers. The community's continuous engagement and education are vital for sustaining this downward trend.

The NRSF, a non-profit organization promoting road safety for over 60 years, offers free resources and programs aimed at influencing safe driving behavior. Their resources are distributed to schools, law enforcement, traffic safety agencies, and advocacy groups, focusing primarily on issues such as distracted and impaired driving, speeding, and aggressive behaviors behind the wheel. Furthermore, the NRSF also collaborates with organizations like SADD and FCCLA to conduct national video contests encouraging teens to promote safe driving practices creatively.

Conclusion

As summer approaches, it is crucial for everyone on the road—drivers, passengers, and other road users—to prioritize safety. The NRSF's latest initiative is a reminder of the collective responsibility we have to foster a safer driving environment. By leveraging community resources and engaging in meaningful conversations around road safety, we can truly hope to make this summer the "100 Safest Days" on our roads. For resources and more information, visit www.nrsf.org.