The National Safety Council is urging drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel this Thanksgiving.
The NSC estimates 502 people may lose their lives in preventable traffic crashes over the holiday period with impaired driving of particular concern. Nationwide, alcohol-impaired fatalities in 2022 represented 32 per cent of the total traffic fatalities. During the Thanksgiving Day period, 35 per cent of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
“It’s alcohol, but also drugs, fatigue and a combination thereof that can all cause impairment,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.
“While a special emphasis is on a celebration such as Thanksgiving this time of year, it’s crucial to make safe choices before you hit the road every time. Choose to drive awake and sober or arrange an alternative mode of transportation; lives depend on it.”
In addition to driving free of impairment, NSC urges drivers to buckle up, slow down, drive free of distraction and practice defensive driving.
The NSC offers more safe driving tips on its website: nsc.org/saferoads
