View our Summer Driving Infographic
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to the summer vacation season and unfortunately kicks off a dangerous driving season lasting through Labor Day weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a higher volume of travelers combined with more alcohol-impaired drivers cause nearly two times the number of auto accident fatalities during summer months than during the rest of the year combined.
Dangerous Summer Weekends
Memorial Day
- 400 accident fatalities occur on average over the holiday weekend
- 10% increase in traffic deaths on average when compared to similar non-holiday periods
- On average 40% of accident fatalities are caused by drivers with blood-alcohol limits above .08
Fourth of July is a day to celebrate with food family, friends and fireworks. The drinking and driving accompanying these celebrations cause the highest fatality days in our nation. During a typical Independence Day weekend approximately:
- 400 accident fatalities occur on average over the holiday weekend
- July 4 is the deadliest day of the year followed by July 3
- On average 41% of accident fatalities are caused by drivers with blood-alcohol limits above .08
Labor Day
As the summer comes to a close many people hit the road one last time for the season,making Labor Day weekend one of the busiest road travel weekends all year. Many summer celebrations end tragically on the road when alcohol is involved. During a typical Labor Day weekend approximately:
- 389 accident fatalities occur on average over the holiday weekend
- 10% increase in traffic deaths on average when compared to similar non-holiday periods.
- On average 38% of accident fatalities are caused by drivers with blood-alcohol limits above .08
- Thanksgiving – November 24, 2016
- Christmas – December 25, 2016
- New Years – January 1, 2016
Preventing Accidents This Summer
Be cautious this summer and keep in mind these important safety reminders:
- Wear Your Seatbelt
- Reduce Your Speed
- Avoid Distractions, Don’t Text and Drive
- Use Child Safety Seats
- Drive Sober, Designate a Driver or Get A Ride (Uber, Lyft, Taxi, Public
- Transportation)
- Don’t Drive Drowsy
- Allow Enough Time For Travel
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/809855.pdf
