(Washington D.C., Wednesday, August 25, 2021) – Labor Day is one of the most dangerous driving weekends of the year. In addition, the back-to-school season means more Americans will soon be traveling the highways again, driving children to grade school and commuting back to college campuses

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates over 460 people may die on the roads this upcoming holiday weekend. This year’s holiday fatality estimate is 19% higher than the 2020 Labor Day estimate of 390. Following a year with increased motor vehicle fatality rates across the country, the organization is urging Americans to practice safe driving and to take steps to keep their vehicle in good repair. One simple step drivers can take is to check for safety recalls.

Mark Chung, vice president of Roadway Practice, explains the importance of checking your vehicle for open safety recalls to ensure you and your loved ones get to your destination safely.

SOUNDBITE #1:

CHECKING FOR AND REPAIRING OPEN RECALLS IS SIMPLE AND IT’S FREE. IF THE VEHICLE HAS OPEN RECALLS, ANY LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER CAN REPAIR IT AT NO COST. OWNERS CAN VISIT CHECK-TO-PROTECT DOT ORG AND ENTER THEIR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR VIN TO LEARN IF THEIR VEHICLE HAS ANY SAFETY RECALLS. YOU CAN FIND THE VIN NUMBER IN THE LOWER LEFT CORNER OF A CAR’S WINDSHIELD OR ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR.

SOUNDBITE #2:

THERE ARE OVER FIFTY-THREE MILLION VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH UNREPAIRED SAFETY RECALLS. THAT’S ALMOST ONE IN FIVE VEHICLES AND IS A SERIOUS RISK TO DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. RECALLED AIRBAGS ARE ONE EXAMPLE. WHEN EXPOSED TO HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY, DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS CAN GO FROM LIFESAVING DEVICES TO LIFE-THREATENING DEVICES. PLEASE KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR PASSENGERS SAFE THIS SUMMER BY CHECKING FOR OPEN RECALLS TODAY.

For more information, visit ChecktoProtect.org.