Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council is reminding drivers to buckle up and drive sober during the Independence Day weekend, one of the deadliest times on America’s roadways. From 6 p.m. this Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 5, NSC estimates there will be 361 traffic fatalities and an additional 19,500 nonfatal disabling injuries.

Safety belt use is the most effective protection against serious crash injuries. Studies show safety belts reduce the risk of crash injuries by 45 percent. NSC estimates 276 lives will be saved this Independence Day weekend because people wore safety belts, and an additional 94 lives could be saved if all people buckled up.

To address impaired driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched its 4th of July – Independence Day Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign last week. Law enforcement will be out in full force in states across the nation to enact a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving. An average of 41 percent of all traffic fatalities are due to alcohol during the Independence Day holiday period, second only to the New Years Day holiday period.