The National Safety Council estimates that 115 people may be killed on the roadways during the one-day Christmas Day holiday, and an additional 163 people may be killed during the one-day New Year’s Day driving holiday. That’s a projected 278 people over two days, and during the holiday season at that.
But before these projections dampen your festive spirit, the NSC also reminds people that seat belts do save lives. Seat belts are the lowest tech, most effective motor vehicle safety feature, and this year, they could save an estimated 245 lives. NSC is urging everyone in every seating position to wear seatbelts at all times—even if it’s for a short drive.
Beyond the tragic fatalities that will occur, people are likely to get injured during driving during this period, too. NSC estimates that an additional 13,100 people may be seriously injured in crashes over the Christmas holiday period, and 18,600 may be seriously injured over New Year’s.
"Making sure all holiday travelers arrive at their destinations safely should be at the top of our to-do lists,” said Lorraine M. Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “That means buckling up, slowing down, avoiding distractions and driving sober. Arriving alive is the best way to start a new year and a new decade."
The team at DVAC wishes everyone a happy and SAFE holiday!
