Sarasota Police Department reminds drivers to buckle up, every trip, every time
SPD: This Thanksgiving, the Sarasota Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) to share an important lifesaving reminder: Buckle up. Every trip, every time. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest seasons for America’s roads. More drivers will be on the roads than usual, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle crash. During this kickoff to the holiday season, it is more important than ever to remind drivers of the importance of seatbelt safety.
During the 2018 Thanksgiving weekend (6 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, to 5:59 a.m. Monday, November 26), 291 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide. Nighttime proved even more deadly, with 54% of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night. These deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America and may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.
“Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating gratitude with loved ones, and the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department want to make sure members of our community arrive at their Thanksgiving destinations as safely as possible,” said Sergeant Anthony Frangioni, Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit. “If you are driving 10 minutes to the Thanksgiving table, or 10 hours, it is critical that drivers and passengers buckle up on every trip, every time. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up before you ever turn on the car. This includes making sure children are in the correct car seats as well,” said Sergeant Frangioni.