The National Safety Council (NSC) predicts that 263 people will live to enjoy the Christmas holiday because they took a few seconds to buckle their safety belts before starting out on trips to visit relative or to shop.
The sad news is that an estimated 359 people will die in traffic crashes over the holiday period.
Of these 359, an estimated 96 people could be saved if everyone bucked up, said NSC.
Besides wearing your seat belt, NSC said there are other things you can do to ensure safe and happy holiday travel.
Make sure all children are in age-appropriate safety seats, leave early for your destination to avoid frustration and speed-related collisions in case of holiday traffic or inclement weather, and don''t let drinking and driving wreck your holiday celebration.
Even moderate consumption of wine or beer impairs a driver''s ability to make the proper decisions on the road.
This year''s Christmas holiday officially begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25, said NSC.
by Virginia Sutcliffe