In a fit of holiday cheer, The National Safety Council estimates that 798 people will be killed on American roads during the upcoming holidays; 371 during Christmas, and an additional 427 during New Year.
The NSC says more lives would be lost if not for seat belts, which the organization estimates will save more than 310 lives. If everyone buckled up, an additional 180 lives could be saved during the holidays.
The NSC defines the Christmas holiday as beginning Thursday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. and ending Sunday, Dec. 26 at 11:59 p.m. New Year’s begins Thursday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. The organization says its estimates are somewhat uncertain due to the impact of COVID-19 on holiday travel.
“I urge every person on the road to take safety personally and focus on making it home safely to celebrate and make memories with loved ones,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC president and CEO, in a statement. The organization didn’t provide an estimate for how big an increase in fatalities is expected. A phone call from TheDetroitBureau.com has not yet been returned.
Drugs and alcohol are a big problem
Not surprisingly, the NSC says that 38% of Christmas fatalities and 36% of New Year’s deaths are a result of driving while intoxicated. What makes it particularly sad is that these deaths are 100% preventable.
So too are deaths from driving while drug-impaired. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 45% of drivers killed in fatal crashes who are tested for drugs, test positive.
Yet according to NHTSA, New Year’s Eve is 4.5% less deadly than your average holiday, while New Year’s Day is 3% less deadly. In fact, the holiday season doesn’t even crack the top five most dangerous holidays, which NHTSA ranks as Cinco de Mayo (13% deadlier), Father’s Day (16.3%), Independence Day (18.6%), Labor Day (20%) and Memorial Day (20.8%).
That doesn’t mean people aren’t going to die behind the wheel during the next two weeks; it’s just less likely than during other holidays.
Driving safely
You can ensure a safe trip during the holidays by following a few simple rules:
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Don’t drive while drunk or drug-impaired.
- Do not use cell phones or devices while driving.
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Always use your vehicle’s turn signals before turning.
- Get plenty of sleep, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
- Learn about your vehicle’s safety systems and how to use them
- Check your vehicle for recalls.
- Plan your trip before you leave.
- If you’re hosting a party, make sure everyone has a sober ride home.
- Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
“We can all do our part by buckling up, driving sober, slowing down, avoiding distractions and looking out for one another,” Martin said.
Driving is becoming more dangerous
The NSC says driving is becoming increasingly more dangerous, with preliminary estimates of driving fatalities rising 16% in the first six months of 2021, with more than 21,400 motorists perishing.
The increase comes in the wake of COVID-19. Until then, driving deaths had been declining for 15 years. In fact, the NSC says that between 1913 and 2019, motor-vehicle deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles decreased 96%, from 33 to 1.41.