“BUCKLE UP- EVERY TRIP,EVERY TIME”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 14, 2007

CONTACT: Allison Davis, Safe Communities Coordinator

Licking County Health Department, (740) 349 – 6535 adavis@lickingcohealth.org

Licking County Health Department Urges Motorists 

To Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Time,

 This Thanksgiving Week

Newark, OH – The Thanksgiving holiday should be a joyous time for all families in America, but far too often the celebration turns to tragedy on the nation’s highways. 

“I urge everyone driving on our state roads this holiday week to drive carefully, don’t drive impaired and, as always, buckle up on each and every trip,” said Allison Davis Safe Communities Coordinator.

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005, nationally, during the Thanksgiving holiday season 732 persons died in vehicle crashes, including 376 during the daytime hours and 347 during night time.

In Ohio, 22 persons were killed in 22 traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2006; an additional 21 persons were injured in those same crashes.  Of those killed that could have been using a seatbelt, 66% were not wearing seat belts.

The risk of a fatal crash increases at night.  According to NHTSA statistics, of the 347 night-time fatalities during the 2005 Thanksgiving season, 59 percent (205) were not wearing seat belts.

The loss of a loved one is a terrible thing to experience, especially during America’s family holiday.  Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.  When you’re in your vehicle, for long or short trips, buckle up every trip, every time.

Of particular concern to Licking County Safe Communities, is the number of fatalities occurring on rural roads and in pickup trucks, especially where seat belts were not used.  Of the traffic fatalities in Licking County involving pick up trucks in 2006, none of them were wearing their seatbelts!  Deaths that possibly could have been avoided by buckling up!

“Young drivers and passengers in pickup trucks sometimes have an inclination for being over confident on the roadways.  Maybe they think the vehicle’s size and weight will protect them in a crash, but they’re wrong,” said Davis.  “When you get in your vehicle, the smartest thing you can do is to buckle up!”

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