ITASCA, IL--June 21, 2012: The National Safety Council on June 24 will launch its Driving Safety week, sponsored by Toyota, as part of National Safety Month, an annual observance to educate and encourage safe behaviors around top causes of preventable injuries and deaths. Driving is one of the most dangerous activities a person does each day. Throughout the week, helpful information to stay safe whether driving for work or pleasure will be available.
“At Toyota, we continually evaluate the safety features of our cars”
Cell phone distracted driving, now joins alcohol and speeding as a leading cause of car crashes. NSC estimates almost 25% percent of crashes involve cell phone use while driving. Further, drivers and front seat passengers who buckle up are 45% more likely to survive car crashes and 50% more likely to avoid serious injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Follow these driving safety tips:
- Refrain from all cell phone use behind the wheel
- Always wear a safety belt -- every trip, every time
- Make sure all passengers are wearing their safety belts before beginning your drive
- If you plan on drinking, designate a "non-drinking" driver
- Never get in the car with an intoxicated driver
- Plan ahead and allow enough times for delays to avoid aggressive driving
"At Toyota, we continually evaluate the safety features of our cars," says Tracy Underwood, Toyota's national manager of community affairs. "But it's also important to instill good driving habits at a young age. Toyota is proud to support the Council's National Safety Month - Driving Safety Week which expands our combined efforts to provide valuable education to equip young drivers and their families with the skills needed to keep themselves and their loved ones safe on the road."
Car crashes are the leading cause of unintentional death among our nation's teens. The Council will be offering the Alive at 25 Parent Program online course for FREE between June 24 and June 30 for a chance to learn more about teen driver safety.
The Council is calling on organizations, communities and the public to help share this information and encourage safe behaviors. Posters, tip sheets and quizzes are available for free download at NSC Materials. Additional materials are available for NSC members to help promote driving safety.
