Hundreds could die in car crashes over the holiday weekend, analysts predict

More than 400 people may be killed and nearly 50,000 injured in car crashes during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Safety Council warned in its annual estimate of holiday traffic danger.

"Many families will use Labor Day weekend to make their final summer memories before kids return to school," said NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman. "We want that last hurrah to be fun, not fatal.”

The three-day weekend period that begins Friday evening and ends Monday is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road, and public safety officials are urging travelers to use caution when driving this holiday.

Between 300-500 people have perished in auto accidents over the holiday period for every year since 1995.

On average, about 90 people die from automobile accidents every day in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

“Traffic will be heavy as vacation travelers add to the normal weekend traffic flow, as many people take to the roadways for a final summer trip of the year,” said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Last year, Georgia state troopers investigated nearly 500 crashes over the holiday period, which resulted in 8,225 tickets, 274 injuries and 10 deaths.

“State troopers will be on full patrols, actively looking for unsafe drivers in an effort to keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities as low as possible,” said McDonough. “As you gather this weekend with family and friends to celebrate the unofficial end of summer, make safety a top priority.”

The Georgia Department of Public Safety urged travelers to follow these seven tips for staying as safe as possible this weekend.

• Do not drink and drive. If consuming alcohol is in your plans, designate a sober driver before you leave home. If you don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi, a rideshare, a friend, or family member to help you get home safely.
• Wear your seat belt. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up before you hit the road, no matter how short the trip.
• Obey the speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit reduces the amount of available time needed to avoid a crash.
• Avoid distracted driving. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off of the road, such as texting while driving.
• Be courteous to other drivers. Stay alert of your surroundings and show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.
• Properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight and height.
• Do not leave children and pets in hot cars. Get in the habit of regularly checking the back seat and back floor area for children and animals, each time you exit your vehicle

The AAA, partnered with Anheuser-Busch, is also offering a free “Tow to Go Service” in eight states (including Georgia) from Friday, September 1^sthrough 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, September 5. The service provides a safety net for people who

Drivers can call (855) 286-9246 to request a truck, which will pick up the driver and vehicle and safely transport them up to 10 miles.

This story was originally published August 31, 2017 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Hundreds could die in car crashes over the holiday weekend, analysts predict."