The National Safety Council estimates 395 people will be killed and an additional 42,300 will be injured in car crashes during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
It’s an annual thing the NSC does, and they’re usually close to the mark.
“Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer activities – it should be a time of celebration” said Deborah A.P. Hersman president and CEO of NSC. “Unfortunately this weekend will be a time of tragedy for hundreds of families that experience a preventable fatality on our roadways.”
Just using seatbelts could save an estimated 144 lives this weekend, the NSC analysts say. How do they reach their chilling conclusions?
“First, historical data are used to determine the average fraction holiday fatalities are of total deaths for the month containing the holiday. Second, total traffic deaths for September 2014 are estimated using a time series forecasting model. Third, the projected total for the month is multiplied by the fraction to obtain the holiday estimate,” their statistics department writes.
To ensure a safer Labor Day holiday weekend, NSC recommends drivers:
- Refrain from using cell phones – handheld or hands-free – because there is no safe way to use a cell phone while driving
- Do not manipulate in-vehicle infotainment systems or electronic devices, including GPS systems, while the vehicle is in motion
- Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in safety seats appropriate for their age and size
- Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed
- Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather
- Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation, such as a taxi
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