It is the established purpose of the Pedestrian Safety Institute to reduce injuries and fatalities suffered by pedestrians in the United States every year and to provide tips, tools and training to keep people safe from unfortunate interactions between cars and people.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics going back 45+ years, the deadliest months of the year, for drivers and pedestrians alike, have been the “vacation months” — July through October. Of the year’s four deadliest holiday weekends, three occur in summer, and the fatal crashes involve higher-than-average numbers of alcohol-impaired drivers. Here, for example, were the nationwide statistics for 2021:

• Labor Day Weekend — 531 killed, 68% of the involved driver’s alcohol-impaired;

• Memorial Day Weekend — 480 killed, 68% of involved drivers alcohol-impaired;

• Fourth of July Weekend — 405 killed, 67% of involved drivers alcohol-impaired.

(For comparison, the overall rate of alcohol-impaired-driver-related fatalities was 52%)