Warren County Sheriff’s Office partners with NHTSA: Operation Crash Reduction starts October 8th

From 2015 to 2019, October was the most dangerous month on America’s roads, accounting for more fatal crashes than during any other month. Many Americans will take to the roads during the upcoming long weekend in search of that last late summertime adventure. The increased travel means more vehicles on the roads, and data shows an increase in motor vehicle crashes as well. To help drivers and passengers remember the importance of buckling up, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are teaming up for Operation Crash Reduction. This effort is focused on Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia — a region that sees some of the nation’s highest numbers of traffic crash-induced fatalities.

As the holiday weekend nears, Warren County Sheriff’s Office is reminding all drivers of the importance of seat belt use and other safe driving practices. Not only is it the law in every participating state but buckling up provides the best defense against injury or death in a crash. This regional campaign runs from October 8 through October 11, and its purpose is to save lives and prevent injuries due to traffic crashes.

According to NHTSA, from 2015-2019, this specific set of states had 885 fatal crashes from October 1-15. This is the highest number of fatal crashes for the first 15 days of any month during this same time period. In fact, from 2015 to 2019, October was the most likely month for fatal crashes to occur in these states, with 1,785 total fatal crashes. In these fatal crashes, more than 46% of occupant fatalities in passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses were unrestrained. From 2015-2019, more fatal crashes occurred on the October holiday Weekend (253) than during the holiday periods of Thanksgiving or Memorial Day.

“We know that these types of crashes typically occur around national holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving,” added Warren County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant G. Phillips. “However, we were surprised to learn that over the past five years, more fatal crashes occurred in these states during the October holiday weekend than during more highly traveled holidays like Thanksgiving or Memorial Day weekend. That is why we are working with NHTSA to remind everyone to drive safely and buckle up during the holiday weekend.”

“During Operation Crash Reduction, we’ll be checking for seat belt use across the state, while educating drivers and passengers on the importance of wearing a seat belt,” said Warren County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant G. Phillips. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — should remember to buckle up.”