NSC predicts July 4 holiday road travel will be deadliest in seven years

The National Safety Council is predicting that 409 deaths and 49,500 injuries will occur on U.S. roadways over the July Fourth weekend – the highest number predicted by NSC since 2008.

NSC says 155 lives will be saved by safety belts, and 99 more lives could be saved if all drivers buckled up.

“Drivers always need to be vigilant, but this weekend, focus on the safety of your family,” Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, said in a press release. “A few precautions can help ensure a memorable weekend. Spending the holiday with family is preferable to spending time in the ER.”

Travel safely this holiday weekend by following these tips from NSC:

• Buckle up.
• Reduce your traveling speed.
• Don’t use cell phones – handheld or hands-free – behind the wheel.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Properly secure children in safety seats.