Itasca, IL – Deaths from preventable incidents are 11 percent higher in July than the national average, making it the deadliest month of the year for unintentional injuries, according to National Safety Council analysis.[i] This increase is driven by upticks in fatal car crashes, drownings and extreme temperatures, among other events.
"Sun, sand and vacation selfies mark July as the peak of summer," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "Making safe choices can ensure July is the best month of the year, not the most deadly."
NSC recommends the following tips to stay safe this July:
- Avoid speeding, using cell phones and driving under the influence. In 2011, 3,417 people were killed in car crashes in July.[i] Crashes involving speeding and alcohol are highest in the summer, and cell phone use increases crash risk fourfold[ii], even when using a hands-free device.
- Place children in age-appropriate car seats. If you are flying, buy a ticket for children ages 2 and younger and place them in an FAA-approved child seat. Do not hold young children on your lap during a flight.
- Learn about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them. MyCarDoesWhat can help drivers understand features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning systems and backup cameras.
- Do not operate a boat while drinking or without a boater's license
- Make sure children use floatation devices and everyone in your group knows how to swim. In 2011, 759 individuals drowned in July.[iii]
- Stay hydrated and avoid being outside for long periods of time in the extreme heat. In 2011, 270 people were killed in July because of extreme temperatures.[iv]
- In 2013, 44[v] kids died from heatstroke because they were left in hot cars. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
[i] According to Injury Facts, 2015
[ii] NSC white paper, Understanding the distracted brain
[iii] According to Injury Facts 2015
[iv] According to Injury Facts 2015
[v] According to KidsAndCars.org