Seat Belts Save Lives Over Memorial Day Weekend

KUIK in Portland reports that Oregon State Police (OSP) will be targeting motor vehicle occupants not wearing their seat belts, particularly child passengers, during the Memorial Day holiday weekend this year to coincide with the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Along with other law enforcement agencies in the state and across the nation, the OSP will be increasing patrols in an attempt to prevent fatal accidents during the holiday. The national campaign began on May 23 and lasts until June 5, while the OSP increased enforcement efforts begin at 6 p.m. on May 27 and last until 11:59 p.m. on May 30.

Memorial Day Holiday Oregon Accident Statistics
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), during the Memorial Day holiday period in 2010, six people died in six separate accidents. Since 1970, almost 260 people have died in accidents during the holiday period in Oregon. During the past 25 years, about 54 percent of the fatalities were the result of accidents that were alcohol-related. During last year’s Memorial Day holiday period, the OSP arrested over 320 impaired drivers. Close to half of the un-seatbelted fatalities in Oregon are people who are impaired.

National Crash Report Data
It is estimated by the National Safety Council (NSC) that potentially 400 people may die and 39,000 people will be injured in traffic accidents over this coming Memorial Day holiday weekend. The NSC also estimates that over 300 people may survive the weekend because they will be wearing their seat belt, and potentially at least 100 other lives could be saved if everyone wore a seat belt.

The average number of accident fatalities was about 12% higher during the six most recent Memorial Day holiday weekends, when compared with non-holiday weekends. All motorists on the road can play an important part in keeping the roads safe. If you see any motorist driving aggressively, distracted, impaired, or in another dangerous manner, call the OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.

Protect Your Legal Rights
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an impaired or otherwise negligent driver, contact DuBois Law Group. Our Portland personal injury lawyers have helped many victims receive the compensation they need to help with hospital bills, medical expenses, lost time away from work, and more. To learn how we can help you during this difficult time, please call (503) 222-4411.