MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- When driving home for the holidays, getting into an auto accident is an easy way to put a damper on anyone's holiday spirit, but by making safety preparations prior to the journey home, Marines can avoid traffic accidents that may ruin their holidays.
In 2003, there were 6.3 million car accidents, 2.9 million injuries and more than 40,000 people killed in auto accidents in the United States, according to www.car-accidents.com.
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for groups aging 1- to 34-years-old, and during holiday periods, the incidence of traffic fatalities and of alcohol-related traffic fatalities tends to be higher than during non-holiday periods, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov.
Although seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatal and non-fatal injuries in motor vehicle crashes, only about 45 to 60 percent of U.S. adults routinely use them, according to the Web site.
"The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in drunken driving," said Master Sgt. Timothy Jenkins, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Military Police District of Parris Island.
Jenkins added it is important to make responsible decisions regarding the consumption of alcohol and always designate a sober driver before the parties begin.
"Anyone planning on drinking alcohol needs to be responsible and designate a sober driver," he said. "If you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely."
Another culprit in driving mishaps is driver fatigue, which can be attributed to long driving hours, lack of sleep and the demands of the holiday activities. Driver fatigue is the primary cause of at least 100,000 police reported crashes and more than 1,500 deaths annually, according to the U.S. National Highway Safety Administration.
Buckling up and applying Operational Risk Management is the best way to protect yourself and others while driving, said Jenkins.
"Not practicing Operational Risk Management and applying some prior planning before they embark on their holiday routines" is the biggest mistake Marines make while traveling, said Jenkins.
One way to avoid becoming a statistic is to conduct some preventative maintenance on vehicles prior to taking off for the holidays. For instance, check car batteries, cooling system, fill windshield wiper fluid, inspect tires and plan the route of travel, recommends Jenkins.
For Marines who fail to buckle up on base, penalties can include suspension of driving privileges for a minimum of one week or as long as six months, as per Marine Corps Order 5100.19E.
"Currently, seatbelt violations are our second most prevalent violation aboard the Depot, behind speeding," said Jenkins.
When it comes to holiday traveling, drivers should not let something as simple as not applying common sense ruin their holidays - Buckle up!