Decide to Drive: Arrive Alive!

Level One Trauma Center

NJ 2010 = 556 Fatalities Middlesex County = 37

NJ 2011(YTD) = 541

Middlesex County = 46

85% of crashes are caused by driver

behavior…

THEY ARE PREVENTABLE!!!

Dynamics

of a Crash

HOW IMPORTANT HOW IMPORTANT IS IS YOURYOUR SEAT SEAT

BELT???BELT???

• 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. (NHTSA)

• Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

• Using a cell phone use while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a BAC at the legal limit of .08 percent. (University of Utah)

FATAL CRASHES CAUSED BY DRIVER DISTRACTION

FUNNY, BUT OH SO TRUE!!

Driver inattention Driver inattention is responsible for is responsible for

about about 80% 80% of all collisions.of all collisions.

2008-2009

• 3,610 hand-held crashes resulting in 1,548 injuries & 13 fatalities

• 3,129 hands-free crashes resulting in 1,495 injuries & 6 fatalities

The New Jersey Legislature is considering related bills

(S1950 and A2816), which would establish the violation

of hands-free cell phone law as reckless under vehicular

homicide statute and assault by auto statutes.

PLEASE SUPPORTHELEN’S

LAW

New Legislation.....

CONSEQUENCES???

COULD THIS B

U??

http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

HANG UP! JUST

DRIVE!

Always Remember…

• Driving is a privilege not a right.

• You are responsible for the passengers in your vehicle.

• Respect & understand that driving is inherently dangerous.

• You only have control over the vehicle you are driving – be alert and aware of your surroundings all of the time!

Tips to Make Your Ride Safer

• Turn the music down!• Make/take your calls later!• Leave eating and drinking for the

kitchen!• Set/adjust GPS before you drive! • Put a “traveling’ message on your

voicemail and turn your phone OFF!

SO….SO…. What Will What Will

YOU YOU Do Do NOWNOW ????????????????

Presented by:

Diana Starace, CoordinatorInjury Prevention ProgramLevel One Trauma Center

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

732.418.8026diana.starace@rwjuh.edu

Presentation developed by the ATS Injury Prevention Committee National Trauma Awareness Month

2012