National Death Busters Day is celebrated annually on the Friday preceding Memorial Day, which falls on May 26 this year. Memorial Day honours all the deceased men and women who served in the United States military. The majority of Americans visit cemeteries and memorials, where they conduct family gatherings and march in parades. Unofficially, it also marks the commencement of the summer season. Memorial Day weekend has gained a reputation as one of the most hazardous times to commute. The purpose of National Death Busters Day is to remind us to drive with caution and extra care.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DEATH BUSTERS DAY
National Death Busters Day was created in response to the high number of vehicular accidents that occur on the weekend of Memorial Day. It is a specific reminder to everyone to stay secure on the road, observe all safety precautions while driving, and be cautious when travelling.
Memorial Day is a three-day weekend beginning on Friday evening and concluding on Sunday. By custom, the holidays enable families to travel. Unfortunately, the automobile has the highest fatality rate compared to all other modes of conveyance.
Certainly, holidays are occasions for celebrations. And when we speak of celebrations, alcohol consumption is inevitable; imbibing and driving typically go hand in hand. Memorial Day weekend has been observed to be “the most dangerous long weekend in the United States in terms of road accidents and car collisions involving drunk drivers.” Drunk driving accounts for approximately 40% of all incidents during the Memorial Day weekend.
The National Safety Council (N.S.C.) therefore encourages Americans to engage in what is known as defensive driving, in which a driver can anticipate potentially hazardous road situations even when everyone else (including pedestrians, cyclists, and bystanders) is making errors.
In addition, the N.S.C. urges American motorists to be aware of bicycles and motorcycles, to pay close attention to traffic signs, to be aware of blind spots, to slow down at all intersections, to frequently check mirrors, to scan road conditions 20 seconds ahead, and to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
As more businesses open across the United States, Memorial Day weekend is anticipated to be more congested. Drivers and their loved ones will be better off if they learn from the experience of Americans travelling during this holiday and exercise caution when driving.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ROAD SAFETY
Memorial Day ranks first on the list of “deadliest” festivities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Memorial Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Father’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo are the five most hazardous driving holidays.
Three to six in the evening are perilous hours
Friday between 3 and 6 p.m. is the most hazardous time to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Seat restraints save lives.
According to studies, the use of seat belts prevents fatalities among front-seat automobile passengers by 45 percent.
Red-light running causes traffic collisions.
On Memorial Day, most motorists routinely run red lights.
Drunk driving causes automobile fatalities.
41% of fatalities reported during the 2020 Memorial Day weekend in the United States involved a “alcohol-impaired” driver.
NATIONAL DEATH BUSTERS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 27 | Friday |
| 2023 | May 26 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 24 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 23 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 22 | Friday |
