National Safety Council Estimates Nearly 400 Fatalities from Crashes this Labor Day Weekend

Council encourages drivers to use extra caution to keep our roadways safe

ITASCA, IL--Aug. 20, 2013: The National Safety Council today released its estimates of fatalities from traffic crashes for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. The Council estimates 394 traffic fatalities and another 42,200 medically consulted injuries may occur over the traditional end-of-summer weekend from motor vehicle collisions. An evaluation of recent Labor Day holiday period fatality estimates is shown in the table below.

Evaluation of Recent Labor Day Holiday Period Estimates

Year

Estimate

90% Confidence Interval

Actual

2006

533

477-595

487

2007

490

440-544

508

2008

439

384-501

473

2009

404

356-457

351

2010

368

320-422

390

2011

400

337-472

373

It also is estimated that 143 lives may be saved this Labor Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 99 lives could be saved if all wore seat belts.

"NSC issues fatality estimates for major holiday periods to draw attention to the need for drivers to exercise safe driving practices, especially when a significant number of drivers are expected to be on our nation's roads," said Janet Froetscher, NSC president and CEO.

To ensure a safe Labor Day holiday weekend, NSC recommends drivers:

Establish and enforce a distraction-free zone, especially in cars equipped with electronic devices including cell phones, global positioning systems and other in-vehicle technology 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