NSC: An estimated 278 people may be killed on the roads over Christmas and New Year’s holidays

Itasca, IL — An estimated 115 people may be killed on the roadways on Christmas Day, and another 163 on New Year’s Day. But many of those lives could be saved if people buckled up, according to the National Safety Council.

NSC is urging all vehicle occupants – in every seating position – to buckle up and check child car seats to ensure they are properly installed.

The Christmas holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25. The New Year’s holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.

An additional 13,100 people may be seriously injured in crashes over the Christmas holiday period, while 18,600 may be seriously injured over New Year’s.

“Making sure all holiday travelers arrive at their destinations safely should be at the top of our to-do lists,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin said in a Dec. 18 press release. “That means buckling up, slowing down, avoiding distractions and driving sober.”