Drivers May Face Deadliest Memorial Day Weekend since 2009, says National Safety Council

Estimate comes as traffic fatalities show no signs of slowing

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May 23, 2016, 12:56 ET

ITASCA, Ill., May 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council estimates 439 people may be killed and an additional 50,500 will be seriously injuredⁱ in motor vehicle crashes during the three-day Memorial Day holiday period. If the estimate holds, this will be the deadliest Memorial Day holiday since 2009, when 462 Americans were killed on the nation's roadways, according to federal data.ⁱⁱ

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council)

The estimate comes as traffic fatalities continue to trend upwards. In February, the National Safety Council released its preliminary estimates showing motor vehicle fatalities had increased 8 percent in 2015 compared to 2014 – the largest year-over-year percentage increase in 50 years. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, which always is a dangerous time on the roads. More than 9,570 people died on our roads in 2014 from May 24 and August 31.ⁱⁱⁱ

"As Americans gear up for the most carefree months of the year, we cannot take our safety for granted," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "Driving is one of the riskiest things we do every day. Engaging our defensive driving skills and staying alert can mean the difference between attending cookouts and family parties or spending the evening at the emergency room or worse."

The Council believes the spike in fatal car crashes is due in part to an improving economy with lower gas prices and lower unemployment rates. Certain crash factors, such as speeding and alcohol, are more common during the summer, too.

To help stay safe on the roads this summer, the Council recommends:

Making sure every passenger buckles up every trip. The Council estimates 104 people could be saved this Memorial Day holiday if they buckle up.
Designating an alcohol and drug-free driver or arranging alternate transportation
Getting plenty of sleep and taking regular breaks to avoid fatigue on long trips
Never using a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free
Staying engaged with your teens' driving habits. An NSC survey found many parents are more inclined to loosen household driving rules during the summer.
Learning about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them. MyCarDoesWhat? can help drivers understand the ins and outs of features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning systems and backup cameras.

Supplemental information can be found here.

About the National Safety Council

Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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ⁱ NSC defines "serious injury" as anything requiring medical attention
ⁱⁱAccording to NSC analysis of NHTSA FARS data
ⁱⁱⁱ According to NSC analysis of NHTSA FARS data

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SOURCE National Safety Council