National Safety Council Predicts Thanksgiving Road Deaths
As many as 417 people could lose their lives in motor vehicle collisions this Thanksgiving Day holiday compared to an estimated 433 a year ago, which represents a 4% drop in the fatality estimate, according to the National Safety Council.
Roadway fatalities are expected to fall this Thanksgiving holiday compared to a year ago.
Photo via Masuk/Pixabay.
As many as 417 people could lose their lives in motor vehicle collisions this Thanksgiving Day holiday compared to an estimated 433 a year ago, which represents a 4% drop in the fatality estimate, according to the National Safety Council.
An additional 47,500 people are expected to suffer serious injuries due to automotive crashes over the holiday weekend.
In fact, Thanksgiving ranks as the fifth deadliest holiday on the nation’s roadways according to ValuePenguin’s review of Fatality Analysis Reporting System data showing which holidays had the most fatal car accidents (where at least one person was killed) per year between 2011 and 2015.
The holiday is always a 4.25-day weekend consisting of Wednesday evening, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This year, the Thanksgiving Day weekend extends from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, to 11:59 p.m. Sun. December 1.
Fleet drivers should be especially vigilant when driving on Nov. 27. The day prior to Thanksgiving is known for high volume traffic as well as heavy alcohol consumption, according to the council.
In addition to practicing defensive driving, fleet drivers should be reminded to buckle up, avoid distractions, and be prepared for everything from bad weather to bad attitudes on the part of other drivers frustrated with congestion.
Staying safe behind the wheel on Thanksgiving weekend requires staying focused on the road and the task at hand.
Actual roadway fatalities for Thanksgiving weekend were 470 for 385 for 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Safety
When Work Trucks Under 26,001 Pounds Need IRP Registration
Think trucks under 26,001 pounds are automatically in the clear when it comes to IRP? Not always. Learn where lighter vehicles can still run into trip permit, apportioned registration, and IFTA compliance requirements when crossing state or provincial lines.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Releases New Safety Recommendations for Traveling with Pets
One of the most important recommendations for professional drivers traveling with pets is to ensure pets are properly restrained while the truck is moving. Other tips are available in the new guide from Volvo Trucks North America and Center for Pet Safety.
Read More →
API Issues Refueling Safety Guidelines
The American Petroleum Institute offers a list of safe vehicle refueling guidelines, including ways to avoid potential problems with static electricity discharges in fall, winter, and early spring.
Read More →
Winter Fleet Prep: Expert Tips to Keep Vehicles Running Smoothly
Cold weather can expose weak batteries, tires, fuel systems, and maintenance gaps fast. Use this winter fleet checklist to prepare trucks and drivers before temperatures drop.
Read More →
When a Work Truck Breaks Down, the Job Can Stop, Too
A work truck breakdown can stop more than the vehicle. Discover how payloads, jobsites, and specialty equipment change the roadside response.
Read More →
What Stronger Long-Term Fleet Service Partnerships Actually Require
Fleet service partnerships rarely fall apart all at once. Learn the three warning signs that trust is eroding and what fleets and providers can do before downtime, frustration, and lost revenue follow.
Read More →
Applause & TRUCE Software Partner to Improve Driver Safety Through AI-Powered Telematics & Employee Performance Management
Applause has integrated TRUCE driving metrics directly into its employee-first performance and safety platform that transforms mobile devices into AI-powered telematics.
Read More →
How Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist Works
Do you want to see what it is like to experience Detroit Assurance’s Active Brake Assist? In this video, Work Truck will put you in the cab to see how it all works and then hear more details from DTNA’s Mike Young.
Read More →
Get Left of Loss: A 5-Step Workplace Violence Prevention Framework for Fleet Operators
Violence risks do not stop at the driver’s door. Learn five practical steps fleets can take to spot threats early and protect workers before loss occurs.
Read More →
How Better Visibility Cut Speeding Violations by 48%
Fleet leaders don't need more data, they need clearer visibility into what the data is saying. This case study explores how one utility replaced speeding-event counts with a single metric — miles driven in violation — to strengthen safety and significantly reduce speeding violations.
Read More →