NSC urges drivers to prioritize safety as holiday travel increases risk
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 -- The National Safety Council estimates 443 people may die in preventable traffic crashes during the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period. This represents a 6% increase from 2024's estimate, highlighting ongoing safety challenges during high-traffic holiday periods.
"Memorial Day weekend typically brings increased traffic and higher risks for drivers," said Mark Chung, vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. "The good news is that we've had a slight decrease in yearly fatalities, but the bad news is that we are still in a crisis, seeing nearly 120 people die on our roadways daily."
Tips for a safer holiday weekend:
- Drive defensively: Buckle up, designate a sober driver, get enough sleep and avoid distractions.
- Prepare your vehicle: Check tires, oil and repair any open recalls at ChecktoProtect.org.
- Avoid impairment: Remember both alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, can impair driving ability.
- Monitor speed: Drive at or below posted limits and adjust for weather and traffic conditions.
- Stay focused: Put phones away and minimize distractions while driving.
- Check back seats: Always look before locking your vehicle to ensure no children or pets remain inside.
- Support safety initiatives: Visit nsc.org/roadtozero to join efforts to eliminate roadway fatalities.
Review supplemental information about the Memorial Day holiday fatality estimates and additional motor vehicle data at injuryfacts.nsc.org.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.
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