Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 18, 2023) — With more than 55 million people traveling for Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross of Utah reminds motorists to drive attentively to ensure everyone makes it to the table safely. The National Safety Council (NSC) predicts the crowded roadways could result in 507 traffic-related deaths and over 55,000 injuries during holiday travel nationwide.

Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah, Greater Salt Lake Chapter, emphasized safety should be the top priority when driving to visit relatives or friends this Thanksgiving. “Before hitting the road this holiday season, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and your route is planned ahead of time. Let's all buckle up, drive responsibly and make Thanksgiving a time of joy, not sorrow,” he said.

With so many families traveling 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving, the Red Cross of Utah advises drivers to have an emergency kit in their vehicles this week and year-round. “You never know when an emergency can happen,” said Lafranca. “Having the right supplies and information can help you navigate through any emergency situation.”

Emergency car kit essentials
The Red Cross recommends including items such as high-protein snacks, water, a First Aid kit, flashlight, battery-operated radio, blanket, jumper cables, map, cellphone charger and an emergency contact card in your car's emergency kit. Visit redcross.org/kit for more information.

Thanksgiving is second only to the Fourth of July for fatal motor vehicle crashes, according to NSC estimates.

Mark Chung, NSC executive vice president of roadway practice, emphasized the dangers of impaired driving: “Impairment can be caused by alcohol, drugs or fatigue. It’s crucial to make safe choices before you hit the road every time. Choose to drive awake and sober or arrange an alternative transportation; lives depend on it.”

Red Cross Thanksgiving safe driving tips

1. Travel safely by adjusting your speed to match road conditions.
2. Avoid distractions, especially texting – it's like driving blindfolded.
   
3. Always buckle up – it's a lifesaver.
   
4. Ensure children are secured in appropriate seats for their age and size.
   
5. Never drive under the influence – designate a sober driver.
   

Emergency information at your fingertips
Stay ready for unforeseen events with the free Red Cross apps. The Emergency app offers live weather updates, shelter details and expert disaster advice, while the First Aid app provides instant guidance on managing injuries, including lifesaving CPR instructions. Search “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.

About the National Safety Council (NSC)
The NSC, America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate for nearly 110 years, works to eliminate preventable death and injury, focusing on the workplace and roadways. For more information, visit nsc.org or injuryfacts.nsc.org for additional Thanksgiving holiday fatality estimates and motor vehicle data and research.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.