(Washington D.C., Tuesday, May 25, 2021) – Memorial Day is one of the most dangerous driving weekends of the year. And with the COVID-19 vaccination rate rising, more Americans are likely to start traveling again.

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates 415 people may die on the roads this holiday. Following a year with increased motor vehicle fatality rates across the country, the organization is urging Americans to plan ahead before hitting the road this summer. In addition to checking oil and maintaining proper tire pressure, one important tip before heading out for vacation includes checking for open recalls on your vehicle.

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:

SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON IS ALMOST HERE. AND THAT’S WHY WE ARE URGING DRIVERS TO MAKE SURE THEIR VEHICLES ARE SAFE BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD. CHECKING FOR AND REPAIRING OPEN RECALLS IS SIMPLE AND IT’S FREE. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ANY 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. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, METAL FRAGMENTS CAN SHOOT OUT OF THE AIR BAG INJURING OR EVEN KILLING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. PLEASE KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR PASSENGERS SAFE THIS SUMMER BY CHECKING FOR OPEN RECALLS TODAY.

For more information, visit ChecktoProtect.org.