National Safety Council Calls for All Road Users to Be Safe Over Labor Day

May 06, 2024

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28 Aug, 2023, 08:01 ET

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Hundreds of people are estimated to die on U.S. roads this holiday weekend

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Analysis by the National Safety Council shows 455 people may lose their life in a preventable traffic crash over this year's Labor Day holiday weekend, which kicks off Friday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4. This estimate reflects the slight decline seen in motor vehicle fatalities through the first six months of 2023, but the figures are still a stark reminder that more must be done to prevent these deadly crashes.

"Labor Day weekend is a time to step back from our busy lives, relax and enjoy being with our loved ones, if we're so fortunate. But that can too easily be stripped away," said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC. "Preventable roadway crashes are still at exceedingly high levels, and every fatality statistic represents a lost family member, friend, loved one, colleague and community member. As a country, we must work together to collectively change behaviors and invest in infrastructure that promotes safe travel to save lives."

With the U.S. Department of Transportation officially embracing the Safe System approach, which takes a holistic look at roadway safety, through its National Roadway Safety Strategy and other efforts, the country has taken critical steps towards prioritizing the end to this national crisis.

"Safety is a choice, and every road user must practice safe behavior each time they venture out," added Chung. "For example, if you're driving, slow down, look out for other road users including pedestrians and bicyclists, drive free of distraction and impairment, and wear a seat belt. Taking these actions can save a life."

NSC urges all drivers to share the road responsibly by following these safety tips during this Labor Day holiday weekend—and always:

For more safety tips, visit nsc.org/saferoads. Review supplemental information about the Labor Day holiday fatality estimates, and additional motor vehicle data and research at injuryfacts.nsc.org.

About the National Safety CouncilThe National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for nearly 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

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SOURCE National Safety Council