Buckle up and Designate a Sober Driver

BuckleUpDesignateSoberDriver-TaborLawFirm-IndianapolisIndiana

Historically, Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times of the year. While the Coronavirus pandemic may have impacted plans with some families this year, the Indiana State Police wants to remind motorists who plan to travel during the holiday season to buckle up and drive sober.

“Due to the pandemic, troopers expect fewer travelers during this Thanksgiving holiday. Even with less travelers, vehicle traffic will still be increased over a normal day. Precautions like wearing a seat belt and designating a sober driver should be practiced,” stated Lieutenant TJ Zeiser, Indiana State Police Peru Post commander, “Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets to their planned destination safely.”

Studies show that many traffic deaths and injuries could be prevented by wearing a seat belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1975 to 2017, seat belts have saved an estimated 374,196 lives. While Indiana’s seat belt usage rate is above 90 percent, more than half of the people who were killed in motor vehicle crashes last year were not buckled up.

Drinking and driving is also deadly and completely preventable. Every day, almost 30 people in the U.S. die in drunk driving crashes, NHTSA data shows. That’s approximately one person every 50 minutes.

In Indiana, there were 106 people killed in alcohol-impaired collisions in 2019, representing 13 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities.

“In a year when miles traveled are down, traffic fatalities are up 9 percent from this time last year,” said Rob Duckworth, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Director. “Slower speeds and wearing seat belts are two of the best ways to prevent further fatalities, along with driving sober.”

Further, vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 8 and 15. For families with children, it’s important to have a properly installed child safety seat or booster seat for each child. Parents can visit www.childseat.in.gov for a list of locations and a toll-free phone number to speak with experts about the proper installation of child safety seats.

If you suffered an injury or a loved one has passed due to any type of motor vehicle accident, contact Tabor Law Firm today. Auto accident litigation can be unexpectedly complicated, and our car accident lawyers have the experience to handle all scenarios when it comes to proving liability and seeking the recovery you deserve.

Categories:

Related Blog