OCPD REMINDS THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS TO BUCKLE UP EVERY TRIP, EVERY TIME

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, people will soon flock to the roads to visit and celebrate with family and friends. The Ocean City Police Department reminds all travelers, whether they are heading across the country or just across town, to ensure a safe arrival and a happy holiday by buckling up for every trip, every time.

“The risk of being involved in a serious or deadly car crash increases when the number of cars on the road increases, and the long Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Chief Ross Buzzuro. “So we want to remind everyone that your seat belts can save your life – and those you are traveling with.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent with proper seat belt use.

During the 2011 Thanksgiving period, 249 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide. Fifty percent of those killed were not wearing seat belts.

In 2011, 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Chief Buzzuro continued, “We want to remind everyone who will be on the roads to please buckle up - Every Trip, Every Time - so you can give thanks this holiday season and enjoy the time with your loved ones.”