ACTING NTSB CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR TRAVELERS TO TAKE SIMPLE MEASURES TO ENHANCE SAFETY OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

[NTSB Press Releases <NTSBPressReleases@xxxxxxxx>]

Title: ACTING NTSB CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR TRAVELERS TO TAKE SIMPLE MEASURES TO ENHANCE SAFETY OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

************************************************************
                      NTSB PRESS RELEASE
************************************************************

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2008
SB-08-35

************************************************************

ACTING NTSB CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR TRAVELERS TO TAKE SIMPLE
MEASURES TO ENHANCE SAFETY OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

************************************************************

Washington, DC - Acting NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker today
called on all those traveling over the Labor Day weekend to
make safety a priority.  "As the end of the summer
approaches and Americans make plans to enjoy the Labor Day
weekend, I encourage everyone setting off on a driving trip
or boating outing to take just a moment to remember a few
quick and simple measures that can make the weekend a safer
one," said Rosenker.

Noting that recently released statistics by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the number
of people dying on America's roadways is declining, Rosenker
said "The drop in traffic fatalities is encouraging, and
that trend must continue.  Just a little forethought about
safety can make a big difference."  The risks of getting
injured in an automobile accident can be reduced by
fastening seatbelts, ensuring that children are
appropriately secured in properly installed child safety
seats and ride in the back seat, obeying traffic laws, and
refraining from drinking and driving. 

While deaths and injuries from automobile accidents are
falling, Rosenker remarked that there has been an alarming
increase in motorcycle fatalities.  "The number of
motorcycle accidents is up, and deaths and injuries to
riders are up.  We are losing far too many citizens to these
types of accidents.  I encourage each and every rider to
wear a motorcycle helmet every time they ride."  The use of
DOT-approved helmets has been shown to decrease riders' risk
of serious injury and death. 

Those planning to engage in boating activities over the
Labor Day weekend should also plan on wearing a personal
flotation device (PFD).  It could make the difference
between a minor mishap and a tragic accident.  "It has been
proven over and over again that the use of PFDs saves lives.
Remember, everyone in the boat should wear this highly
effective safety device," Rosenker stated.

"All of these safety measures take just a moment to remember
and act upon," said Rosenker.  "All of us should do our part
to make this last holiday weekend of the summer a safe and
enjoyable one."

NTSB Media Contact:  Peter Knudson, (202) 314-6100
peter.knudson@xxxxxxxx

************************************************************

This message is delivered to you as a free service from the
National Transportation Safety Board.

You may unsubscribe at any time at
http://www.ntsb.gov/registration/registration.htm  

An archive of press releases is available at
http://www.ntsb.gov/pressrel/pressrel.htm

Current job opportunities with the NTSB are listed at
http://www.ntsb.gov/vacancies/listing.htm

For questions/problems, contact pubinq@xxxxxxxx