The National Safety Council estimates 409 deaths and 49,500 injuries requiring medical attention will occur on U.S. roadways this Fourth of July holiday weekend -- the highest predicted numbers NSC has released for a three-day Independence Day holiday since 2008.

The holiday period this year falls on a weekend, and summer weekends are especially deadly, NSC said. The period in question starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

Here are some NSC tips you can pass along to fleet drivers to help them remain safe this holiday weekend:

Buckle up. NSC estimates 155 lives will be saved during this period because seat belts are worn. An additional 99 lives could be saved if all buckled up.

Reduce your speed. More speeding-related fatalities occur during the summer months than any other time of year.

Refrain from using cell phones– hands-free or handheld – when driving. Drivers talking on cell phones are up to four times as likely to crash.

Place children in age-appropriate safety seats. Child restraints saved an estimated 284 lives in 2012 among children younger than 5.

Don't drink and drive. If you do drink, designate a nondrinking driver or take an alternative form of transportation.

Stay engaged with your teens' driving habits. An NSC survey found many parents are more inclined to loosen household driving rules during the summer.  

Learn about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them with the new online resource, My Car Does What?