“BUCKLE UP EVERY TRIP EVERY TIME”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2007

CONTACT: Beth Player, 374-5664, bplayer@gcchd.org

Greene County Safe Communities Urges Motorists  

To Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Time,

 This Thanksgiving Week

[Xenia, 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, most importantly, buckle up on each and every trip,” said Beth Player, Safe Communities Coordinator for Greene County.

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 31,415 occupants died in passenger vehicle crashes in 2005 across the nation, and more than half, 16,172, were not wearing seat belts.  In 2005, nationally, during the Thanksgiving holiday season 732 passenger vehicle occupants died in vehicle crashes, including 376 during the daytime hours and 347 during night time.

In Ohio, eight vehicle occupants lost their lives over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2006, and 42 were injured.   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 are in your vehicle, for long or short trips, buckle up every trip, every time.

Research has shown that when lap/shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury is reduced by 50 percent.  Give yourself and your family a hug with your seat belt on during this Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information about highway safety during the Thanksgiving holiday season, visit www.ciot.dot.gov.