BEALE AFB, Calif. –
The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and the 940th Wing Safety Office reminds all travelers, whether driving across the country or just across town, one of the best ways to ensure a safe arrival is to buckle up, every trip, every time.
"During the long Thanksgiving weekend, many more people than usual are on the roads," said Lt. Col. Lewis Harding, 940th Wing Chief of Safety. "We want to alert everyone that perhaps the single best thing they can do to save lives and protect themselves and their passengers is to insist on the regular and proper use of seat belts."
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved more than 12,500 lives nationwide during 2010 alone. Research shows when seat beats are worn correctly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.
Yet, too many people are still not getting the message. During the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday, 337 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide; 55 percent of those were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
"It's a simple step that each of us can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones, yet too many people are still not buckling up," said Harding.
Harding warned that the overnight hours prove to be the most dangerous on our nation's roadways. Nationally during the 2010 Thanksgiving weekend, 64 percent of nighttime fatalities involved unbelted passenger vehicle occupants, while only 41 percent of daytime fatalities involved unbelted passenger vehicle occupants.
"Every day of the year, but especially during more dangerous travel times like holidays and at night, we can increase our odds of survival by buckling up, avoiding driving while fatigued, and never drinking and driving," said Harding.
"Remember, seat belts save lives. Please buckle up, every trip, every time, so you can give thanks this holiday season and enjoy the time with your loved ones."
For more information about traveling safely during Thanksgiving, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.