Election Day Safety
Election Day is an incredibly important day in our country. This is a day we get to exercise our right to vote. No matter a person’s political stance, it is important to consider safety on this day. Many people are out and some in areas that they aren’t familiar with to cast their ballots. This day can be an exciting time. Tensions may be high, and the excitement could be a distraction while driving.
NPR wrote that there is a “study [which] suggests that there is an increased risk of car crashes on presidential voting days.”
Astonishingly “research revealed an 18 percent increase in motor vehicle deaths on voting day. ‘This equaled about 24 people [deaths] per election,’ Redelmeier says, adding that
‘this was remarkably consistent across different locations and years.'” And that “These injuries and deaths far outnumbered those reported during times associated with an increase in drinking and driving, such as Super Bowl Sunday and New Year’s Eve.”
There are a few factors that could contribute to this including emotions running high, the fact that people will be rushing to fit voting into their schedule, paying attention to polls while driving or the fact that there is a higher number of vehicles on the road.
This is really interesting information that we can take and use to exercise more caution.
Tips for a safer Election Day:
1. Arrive early – Allow yourself time to get there without rushing.
2. Know the location youre voting at ahead of time
3. Be patient and wait to check polls until you are safely parked
Also, as you know, we are voting amongst a global pandemic which presents its own set of challenges. There are things we can do as voters to prepare in order to vote safely amongst the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Be sure to arrive with your mask and hand sanitizer
2. Remain 6 feet from others
3. Wash your hands before and after voting
4. Avoid touching your mouth or face
Let’s do our part to ensure we have a safe election day.
Further Election Day COVID-19 Safety information: CDC
Contact: Glisson Law