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BFPD working to make Thanksgiving safer |
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October 26, 2016 |
 The
Bonners Ferry Police Department is joining in a
national effort to send Thanksgiving travelers
an important lifesaving reminder to Buckle Up.
Every Trip. Every Time.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times
of the year, and more people on the road
increases the likelihood of a crash.
During the 2014 Thanksgiving weekend alone, 341
people were killed in motor vehicle crashes
nationwide, and 50 percent were not their
wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal
crash. And for those Thanksgiving weekend
crashes that occurred at night, the percentage
of unbuckled occupants killed jumped to an
unsettling 58 percent.
These deaths represent needless tragedies for
families all across America. But even more
tragic is that many of these fatalities could
have been prevented with the simple click of a
seat belt.
“Half of all drivers and passengers killed in
crashes on Thanksgiving weekend in 2014 weren’t
wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal
crash,” said Chief Vic Watson. “This statistic
is staggering when we know seat belt use is one
of the simplest ways to stay safe when you’re in
a vehicle.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) estimates that proper
seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal injury
to front seat passengers by 45 percent, and the
risk of moderate to serious injury by 50
percent. In 2014, approximately 12,802 people
survived crashes because they were buckled up.
If everyone had worn their seat belts that year,
an additional 2,814 lives could have been saved.
The national Buckle Up—Every Trip. Every Time.
seat belt awareness campaign helps remind
Thanksgiving travelers and all drivers about the
importance of buckling up–every trip, every
time.
NHTSA’s research reveals that males are more
likely to be unbuckled than females in a fatal
crash, and that younger drivers are also at
greater risk of being unbuckled in a fatal
crash.
In 2014, 53 percent of the males killed in
crashes were not buckled up at the time of the
crash, compared to 40 percent of females. And
13- to 15-year-olds and 25- to 34-year-olds had
the highest percentages (59%) of occupants
killed who were not wearing their seat belts at
the time of the fatal crash.
“Buckling your seat belt should be your first
step every time you enter a vehicle,” said Chief
Watson “Whether you’re riding or driving,
traveling just across town or across the
country, please make sure you and your loved
ones always wear seat belts – this Thanksgiving
and every day of the year. Just remember, Buckle
Up–Every Trip. Every Time.”
For more information about traveling safely
during Thanksgiving, please visit
www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov. |
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