Toolkit: Sample News Relea

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(DATE)

CONTACT:

(NAME/PHONE NUMBER)

IMAGINE A DAY WITH ZERO TRAFFIC FATALITIES.
(NAME OF ORGANIZATION) CELEBRATES THE SEVENTH ANNUAL
"PUT THE BRAKES ON FATALITIES DAY"

(CITY, STATE) In 2005, there were more than 43,000 traffic fatalities. That's about 118 fatalities every single day - one fatality every 12 minutes. Imagine a day with zero traffic deaths where all drivers make a special effort to – “Put the Brakes on Fatalities!”

The seventh annual Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day will be celebrated on October 10, 2007 in (CITY, STATE) to encourage the public to take a greater stand in keeping themselves and their loved ones from becoming one of those statistics.

In support of Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day, (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) will (DESCRIBE EVENT) at (TIME) at the (LOCATION) on (DATE).

The goal is to unite the country in achieving one full day of zero traffic deaths by encouraging safer behavior and actions and by promoting safer roadways. "Motor vehicle fatalities are the leading cause of death for all Americans from 3 to 33 years old. Whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or cyclist, by working together in a concerted effort, we can make a difference to stop the fatalities from occurring on our nation's roads," said (NAME, TITLE).

The good news is that by taking pro-active steps, the public can greatly reduce the odds of becoming a statistic. "First and foremost, drive as if your life depends on it," (NAME) said. "Driving defensively, obeying the posted speed limits, sharing the road with other vehicles like motorcycles, bicycles, and trucks, slowing down in bad weather and in special construction and school zones, and not drinking and driving are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a crash." Other important safety practices include buckling up every time on every trip, using appropriate child safety seats, wearing a helmet when bicycling, motorcycling, or skating, and crossing the street in crosswalks, (NAME) noted.

October was selected for the new safety observance because it is among the peak months for traffic fatalities. In fact, October 9 was the most dangerous day of the year to be on the road in 1999: 207 people died in traffic crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). February 22 was the safest day to be on the road that year: 50 were killed in motor vehicle crashes.

Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day promotes:

Safer driving behaviors

Research by NHTSA shows that lap/shoulder seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger vehicle occupants by 45 percent and child safety seats reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

In 2006, NHTSA conducted the National Occupant Protection Use Survey(NOPUS). The overall observed shoulder belt use rate was 82 percent in 2005, compared to 80 percent observed in 2004, 79 percent in 2003, 75 percent in 2002, 73 percent in 2001, 71 percent in 2000, and 67 percent in 1999. In 1994, the overall observed shoulder belt use rate was 58 percent.

Safer driving environments.

Poor road conditions and obsolete designs contribute to more than 15,000 highway deaths annually. Be especially alert this October 10 for roadway hazards such as narrow roads and bridges, narrow shoulders that end in steep slopes or ditches and intersections that are poorly marked and lighted. Encourage state and local officials to design roadway improvements, such as adding rumple strips, better lighting and highly reflective signs, creating separate turn lanes at dangerous intersections, constructing median barriers or widening lanes.

Safer vehicles.

Proper vehicle maintenance plays an important role in reducing crashes. Check your tires for proper inflation pressure, tread wear and alignment. Winterize your vehicle if you live in a cold climate. Replace worn windshield wipers. If your vehicle has antilock brakes, operate them correctly by "stomping and steering" rather than pumping them. If you are buying a vehicle, consider safety devices and safety ratings as a top priority. Check out the NHTSA Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov for vehicle safety ratings.

For more traffic safety tips and information, log on to the Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day Web site at www.brakesonfatalities.org

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Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day is coordinated by a coalition of more than 40 national safety organizations, federal, state and local government agencies and private sector companies working together to reduce the death and injury toll of motor vehicle crashes.