300+ traffic deaths and over 35,000 injuries predicted nationwide during the holidays,
with National Impaired Driving Prevention Month highlighting Christmas & New Year’s driving safety
With over 100 million people anticipated to travel by car this holiday season, the American Red Cross of Utah is reminding drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. The National Safety Council (NSC) released an analysis today projecting that crowded roadways and impaired drivers could result in over 300 traffic-related deaths and an estimated 35,000 injuries during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s travel nationwide.
Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter, emphasized safety should be the top priority when driving to visit relatives and friends this holiday season. “Before hitting the road this holiday season, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and plan your route in advance,” he said. “Most importantly, never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.”
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
The holiday season, especially Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, is among the most dangerous times on the road. December has been declared National Impaired Driving Prevention Month to bring attention to the heightened risks of driving during this time.
“Impairment, whether from alcohol, drugs and/or another factor such as fatigue or stress, causes a decline in visual function, mental judgment and motor skills,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at the NSC. “To save lives, we must all do our part by buckling up, driving sober (or arranging alternate transportation), slowing down, avoiding distractions and looking out for one another.”
According to NSC projections, 310 lives could be lost on U.S. roadways this holiday season, with 131 fatalities expected during the Christmas holiday and another 179 during the New Year’s holiday. An estimated 35,300 injuries from traffic accidents are also anticipated. Impaired driving remains a key contributor, accounting for 38% of Christmas-related traffic deaths and 37% during New Year’s.
Impairment isn’t only caused by alcohol — drugs such as opioids, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications can also impair judgment, reduce motor skills, and cause drowsiness. Additionally, fatigue and stress can significantly impact a driver’s focus and reaction time.
Emergency Car Kit Essentials
For the many families traveling long distances this holiday season, the Red Cross of Utah advises all drivers to carry an emergency kit in their vehicles, not just for this week but all year round. “You never know when an emergency will happen,” Smauldon said. “Having the right supplies and information can make all the difference during unexpected situations.”
The Red Cross recommends stocking your car’s emergency kit with essential items such as high-protein snacks, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, blanket, jumper cables, map, cellphone charger and an emergency contact card containing names and phone numbers. Visit redcross.org/kit for more information.
Red Cross Holiday Safe Driving Tips
- Travel safely by adjusting your speed to match road conditions.
- Avoid distractions, especially texting – it’s like driving blindfolded.
- Always buckle up – seat belts save lives.
- Ensure children are secured in appropriate seats for their age and size.
- Never drive under the influence – designate a sober driver.
Emergency information at your fingertips
Stay ready for unforeseen events with the free Red Cross apps. The Emergency app offers live weather updates, shelter information and disaster advice, and the First Aid app provides guidance on managing injuries, including lifesaving CPR instructions. Download these tools by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.
Learn more about the National Safety Council
As America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate for nearly 110 years, the National Safety Council is a mission-based organization working to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing its efforts on the workplace and roadways. For more information, go to nsc.org. For additional holiday fatality estimates and motor vehicle data and research, visit injuryfacts.nsc.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
