Motor vehicle crashes are a public health concern both in the United States and abroad. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death, and kill over 100 people every day. However, motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths are preventable. There are proven strategies that can help prevent these injuries and deaths. Whether you are a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, you can take steps to stay safe on the road.
Driving Safety Tips:
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC); Washington State Patrol (WSP); Target Zero
Motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers kill one person every 45 minutes in the United States. That’s 32 people every day.
Encouraging drivers to make wise choices on the road is crucial, especially with the increase in fatal accidents across Washington State in recent years. According to early data from the Washington State Traffic Commission (WTSC), there have been nearly as many fatal accidents up to September 2023 (578) as there were during the same period in 2022 (582), which marked a 32-year peak in fatal accidents across Washington State.
In Washington State:
Across Our Nation:
The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) work to eliminate risky driving behaviors and improve roadway safety for everyone.
Learn more about Risky Driving Behaviors & Roadway Safety >>
Source: Target Zero, CDC, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Washington State Traffic Commission (WTSC), U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
SHARE these impaired driving messages on social media & use the hashtags:
#ThinkBeforeYouDrive
The Big Game
Just like the pros game plan, if your sporting event “watch party” involves alcohol, you need your own sober and safe ride home! Make a game plan-
Home for the Holidays
The ‘Home for the Holidays’ traffic safety campaign is a collaborative effort between the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), and allied law enforcement agencies across the state focused on encouraging drivers to take extra precautions in adverse weather conditions often seen during the fall and winter months.
The educational campaign spans from the end of October through New Year’s Eve. Historically, the WSP observes an increase in all collision types during this time frame, as well as an increase in impaired drivers on our roadways.
Source: Washington State Patrol and Target Zero
Distracted Driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roadways. Each day, we all face dangerous risks. When you’re behind the wheel your only job is to drive. Commit to distraction-free driving today!
Learn more, spread the word, and take the pledge >>
BoosterSeat.org offers tips for choosing the right car seat or booster seat, following Washington’s booster seat laws, and accessing local and national resources.
Visit our Digital Resource Center to learn more about Motor Vehicle Safety and Distracted Driving Awareness — plus, more injury and violence prevention topics year-round!