Let’s Make These the 100 Safest Days of Summer: Traffic Safety
Did you know the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” of summer? The term is most commonly used in reference to teen driving, as fatal crashes involving teen drivers increase during the summer months. But traffic crashes aren’t the only risk that rises this time of year. More people are spending time outdoors, alcohol and other substances are often consumed more frequently, extreme heat can contribute to dehydration and falls, and suicide rates tend to increase during the summer as well.
While these statistics can feel overwhelming, this blog isn’t about focusing on the dangers; it’s about focusing on prevention. Inspired by the “100 Safest Days of Summer” campaign created by The National Road Safety Foundation, Impact Teen Drivers, FCCLA, SADD, and We Save Lives, we’re exploring practical ways to stay safe all summer long. Although the campaign focuses on teen driving, we can apply prevention strategies across our work in traffic safety, drug harm reduction, falls prevention, and suicide prevention. So, let’s take a look at how we can make this summer safer for everyone. We are going to start the first day of our four day series off with traffic safety. Stay tuned this week to learn about all of our focus areas!
Traffic Safety
Summer means more travel, more road construction, more young drivers on the road, and more opportunities for distraction. Keep these tips in mind:
- Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults’, and temperatures inside a parked vehicle can quickly become deadly.
- Buckle up every trip, every time. Make sure everyone is properly secured in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts, whether your just driving across Madison or all the way up north Wisconsin.
- Check around your vehicle before backing up or pulling away. Children can be difficult to see and may not be aware of nearby vehicles while playing.
- Avoid distracted driving. Put your phone away and never text while driving.
- Always drive sober. Alcohol and drugs—whether legal or illegal—can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. If you’re planning to use substances, arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service. The same rule applies to cars, boats, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles.