The American Automobile Association has released its holiday travel forecast, which predicts that more than 42 millions people will be taking road trips over the July 4th weekend. Safe driving is imperative.
The Fourth of July weekend is one of the most hazardous driving holidays in the United States. According to the non-profit National Safety Council, 462 people could die on U.S. roads during Independence Day weekend 2022 in crashes that were preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic deaths in the United States are at their highest level in 16 years. This 16-year peak was reached in 2021.
Mark Chung is executive vice president of NSC’s roadway practice. He said that on a daily basis, over 100 people are killed in traffic accidents. This number continues to rise. Please take safety seriously and follow our driving tips so that you can get where you need to be as safely as you can. It could be the difference between life and death for you or those that you love.
National Safety Council provides these driving safety tips:
Seat belts are a must. The most common cause of death in car accidents is the failure to use them. Be sure to buckle up and install the car seat correctly.
Choose a sober or alternate driver: The holidays are a time to celebrate, but drinking alcohol is not the only cause of impaired driving. Drugs such as marijuana, opioids and some over-the counter medicines can make you drowsy, affect your vision and impair mental judgement and motor skills.
Slow down. Speeding contributes to more than one quarter of traffic deaths. If conditions warrant, drive at or below the speed limit. Pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists to ensure everyone’s safety.
Make sure that your vehicle is road-worthy before you hit the road. Check the oil in your vehicle, add air to the tires and look for any open recalls. ChecktoProtect.org will tell you if there is an open recall on your vehicle and how to get it fixed for free.
Distraction-free driving is important: Cell phone distraction has been linked to thousands of car accidents. #JustDrive and put your phones down.
Look before you lock. Pediatric vehicular heatstroke remains the leading cause of motor vehicle-related deaths for children that are not caused by crashes. The NSC reports that since 1998, more than 900 U.S. children have died from this preventable tragedy. When you arrive at your destination, always check the back seat to see if there are any children or pets. Many vehicles now have rear seat reminders.
Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop wishes everyone in the Knoxville TN area a safe 4th of July. Remember these safety tips as you head home after the holiday celebration.
Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville