FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2006 SB-06-48
NTSB CHAIRMAN SAYS SAFETY SHOULD BE WATCHWORD THIS LABOR DAY
"Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest periods of time for highway travel. Last year, deaths on our roadways rose to their highest level in 15 years. It is imperative that we all observe posted speed limits, buckle up everyone in the car, and never mix alcohol with motor vehicle operation."
Highway transportation accounts for more than 90 percent of all transportation fatalities in the United States. The NTSB has long advocated a series of safety improvements for highway travel, some of which have become law nationally, including mandatory seat belt laws (in every State except New Hampshire), age-21 drinking laws and child restraints.
Other initiatives still awaiting full enactment in the States, which are on the Board's Most Wanted list of safety improvements, include graduated drivers licenses, laws governing persistent drunk drivers, primary seat belt laws and booster seats for children 4 to 8 years old. These are among Most Wanted issues that will be discussed at the Board's public meeting next Wednesday, September 6.
Chairman Rosenker also reminded boaters to wear personal flotation devices. An average of 714 boaters die each year; 508 of those are by drowning. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that about 84 percent of those drowning victims would still be alive if they had worn PFDs.
A selection of safety alerts covering boating and highway transportation can be found on the Board's website at http://ntsb.gov/alerts/alerts.htm.
NTSB Media Contact: Ted Lopatkiewicz (202) 314-6100 lopatt@ntsb.gov
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