National Safety Month is an annual observance aimed to educate and influence behaviors around leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths. “National Safety Month” was declared in June of 1996 by the National Safety Council (NSC). This campaign was established to increase public awareness of the leading safety and health risks. NSC hopes to educate people about how to prevent injuries and deaths.
Related: National Safety Month: Put an End to Distracted Driving In Kentucky
The number and cost of injuries
Injures can be expensive. According to statistics from NSC, unintentional-injury related deaths were estimated to total 122,900 in 2011. The cost of unintentional injuries to Americans exceeded $750 billion nationally.
Themes
This year, 2013, the theme of the National Safety Month is “Safety Starts With Me.” Each week in June carries a different theme:
- Week 1 (June 2-8): Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
- Week 2 (June 9-15): Employee Wellness
- Week 3 (June 16-22): Emergency Preparedness
- Week 4 (June 23-29): Ergonomics
Summer Safety and Driving Safety are this year’s bonus topics.
Related: Kentucky Roadside Safety Tips
Safety tips to remember
As a Kentucky Personal Injury Attorney, I know how important safety is, especially when we are on the road. Motor vehicles crashes are considered as the 9th leading cause of death worldwide, but you can do something about this. Whether you are a driver, cyclist, a passenger or a pedestrian, you can help reduce road fatalities/injuries and make our roads safer. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always focus on the road. Do not make phone calls or text while driving. If you are operating your car, put your cell phone in the back seat so that you won’t be tempted to text, check email or make a call. If you must use your cell phone for an urgent or important matter, please find a safe place and stop.
- Wear safety gear. Wear your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same. If you are riding a bike or motorcycle, always wear your helmet. Doing so will help protect your head from injury.
- Drive sober. Do not drive if you are drunk. Statistics show that about every 30 minutes, someone is killed in an alcohol-related crash in the United States. The statistics also stated that for every two minutes, someone was injured. Approximately 40% of vehicle crash fatalities involve alcohol. This only proves that drinking alcohol and driving do not go together.
- Slow down. Speeding is one of the contributing factors to traffic crashes. Each year, over 13,000 lives are lost because of speeding. In 2005, speed was a factor in 27% of total crashes in construction and maintenance zones. Motorists usually drive too fast when they are in a hurry.
- Share the road. You do not own the road. It is for everyone. You have to drive with consideration and share the road with other motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. This is to make your travel less stressful and prevent road rage.
Related: Let’s Make A Move Against Texting And Driving
As we observe National Safety Month, I encourage everyone to practice road safety and help prevent road traffic deaths and injuries. Safety is as simple as ABC (Always Be Careful). It should always start with YOU!