Drivers are being urged to exercise extra caution this weekend as the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates 400 to 580 people could die on U.S. roads during the Independence Day holiday.
With July 4, 2021, falling on a Sunday, the observed Monday extends the weekend. The NSC has issued tips to help keep people safe 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.”
The NSC offers the following tips to ensure safer roads:
- Drive distraction-free – put your phones away and #JustDrive.
- Slow down – speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.
- 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.
- Buckle up – seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives.
- Look before you lock – last year, 25 children died in hot cars. Make it a priority to ensure you don’t leave the car without your child passengers.
- 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.
Find more tips and advice at nsc.org/saferoads.
