This Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit the roads, eager to spend time with family and friends.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with more people on the road increasing the likelihood of a crash.
During the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend 301 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, with50 percent not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.
Some of these tragic deaths may have been prevented by seat belt use. Proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45%, and the risk of moderate to serious injury by 50%.
In 2015, seat belts saved the lives of 13,941 vehicle occupants. If seat belts were used 100% of the time, an additional 2,804 would still be alive this Thanksgiving.
In Wood County, there were 73 crashes in 2016’s Thanksgiving period, of Wednesday to Monday.
Safe Communities of Wood County extends a friendly reminder to stay safe this upcoming holiday season by buckling up, driving sober, and staying attentive on the roadways.
Remember, every trip, every time; buckle up and arrive safely.