Stay Safe on Thanksgiving Vacation: Abstain from Alcohol, Substances, Tiredness, and Combinations
Safe Driving During Thanksgiving: National Safety Council's Advice
As the Thanksgiving holiday travel period approaches, the National Safety Council (NSC) is urging drivers to prioritise safety on the roads. The travel period, which begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, is a time when impaired driving is a major concern.
According to the NSC, impaired driving significantly increases the risk of fatal crashes during holiday travel periods. To reduce this risk, the organization recommends several safe driving practices.
- Avoid driving while impaired: The NSC stresses the importance of not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you plan to consume alcohol, make arrangements for a sober ride, such as using designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation.
- Buckle up every trip: Wearing seat belts can greatly enhance safety and reduce injuries in crashes. Always ensure that you and your passengers are buckled up.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions: Mobile phone use while driving can be a significant distraction. Try to avoid it, and keep your focus on the road.
- Drive defensively: Obey traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. Remember to drive defensively and anticipate the actions of other drivers.
The NSC's focus extends beyond the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The organization advocates for safety year-round and encourages communities and policymakers to rethink road design under the Safe System Approach. This strategy, promoted by the NSC, addresses safety holistically and includes measures like safer vehicles, lower speeds, and post-crash care.
Drugs, fatigue, and a combination thereof are other threats that can cause impairment during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The NSC emphasizes the importance of making safe decisions before driving during the holiday.
During Thanksgiving weekend, the percentage of alcohol-related crashes increases to 35%. To combat this, the NSC urges all road users to take extra precautions.
For additional safety tips and resources, visit nsc.org/saferoads. Mark Chung, NSC's executive vice president of roadway practice, emphasized the importance of making safe decisions before driving during the holiday.
Let's all do our part to make the roads safer this Thanksgiving and beyond.
- The National Safety Council (NSC) not only advocates for safer roads during the Thanksgiving holiday but also year-round, promoting the Safe System Approach that encompasses safer vehicles, lower speeds, and post-crash care – all essential components of the health-and-wellness industry.
- Considering the increased risk of alcohol-related crashes during Thanksgiving weekend (35%), seeking alternatives to impaired driving is a crucial contribution to the fitness-and-exercise industry, ensuring a healthy start to the New Year.
- Although transportation safety is vital during the Thanksgiving holiday, it's equally crucial to prioritize mental health for all road users, as drugs, fatigue, and their combination pose additional threats that can cause impairment – a concern that NSC strongly addresses within the science industry.
