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Published: November 8, 2019

BUCKLE UP, TURKEYS!

For many, Thanksgiving weekend marks the REAL beginning of the holiday season.  Millions of Americans will soon be taking to the roadways for family feasts and to shop for the perfect gift at the perfect price.  With this in mind, Wyandot County Safe Communities and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would like to take this moment to remind motorists to start smart when taking to the roads by ensuring that all passengers are safely and properly restrained with seat belts and car seats.

Every year, there is an increase in crashes and fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday.  Lack of seat belt use leads to the deaths of nearly half of the persons involved in fatal crashes.  According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), "Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 89.6% in 2018. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017."

You can help everyone stay safe on roadways this holiday season by encouraging them to:

  • Obey the speed limit, especially in bad weather.
  • Don’t drive distracted... especially teens, who are reportedly the largest group of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.
  • Drive and ride sober.  Fatalities involving drunk drivers are 100% preventable.  Always arrange for a sober ride BEFORE travelling.
  • Make sure children are properly restrained in the age and size appropriate car seat.  Since 1975, more than 10,000 children 4 years and younger have been saved by child restraints.
  • ALWAYS properly wear a seat belt.  This simple act dramatically increases your chance of surviving a crash.

Lastly, remember that CLICK IT OR TICKET isn't just a catchphrase.  It's the law.  Buckle up and employ safe driving practices this Thanksgiving holiday season and throughout the year.

 

Wyandot County Public Health is nationally accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.