Tips for Summer Travel Season – Arrive Alive, Don’t Text and Drive
May is Trauma Awareness Month, which coincides with the traditional start of the summer travel season. In the United States, trauma is the leading cause of death for ages 1 through 46. Motor vehicle crashes are a significant contributor to trauma-related deaths and injury.
The trauma team at Cooper University Health Care, a leading academic health system, treats more than 3,500 trauma patients a year, many of them injured in motor vehicle accidents. Cooper University Hospital is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey and is the busiest trauma center in the region.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Council recently released sobering statistics that show a 5% increase in fatal crashes in New Jersey in 2020.
“Despite the pandemic, which resulted in more people staying home and fewer on the road, we actually saw more fatal crashes and collisions this past year,” said John Porter, MD, Head of the Division of Trauma Surgery, and Director of the Center for Trauma Services at Cooper University Health Care.
According to Dr. Porter, the reason for this increase in fatal crashes is risky behavior by drivers, including speeding, failure to wear seat belts, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and mobile phone use while driving. As more pandemic restrictions are lifted, it is predicted that even more people will be on the roads this summer. Whether you are traveling far or staying local, it only takes a few careless moments for tragedy to strike.
“After a challenging year, we want everyone to enjoy the summer months, but to do it safely,” said Dr. Porter. “A modicum of precaution will prevent you, or a loved one, from becoming a statistic in our trauma center.”
First, adopt a zero-tolerance policy of driving or allowing others to drive intoxicated. Alcohol impairment is involved in about a third of all vehicle fatalities. Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after parties or get-togethers. Alcohol, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, and illegal drugs can all cause impairment.
Also, make sure the driver puts their mobile phone away. While many distractions can occur while driving – people turning or stopping suddenly, animals running into the roadways, etc. – mobile phones are one of the main culprits of car crashes related to distracted driving. To avoid being tempted to glance at your phone, give it to another passenger to hold or put it out of reach or in the back seat. If you must make a call, pull over to a safe spot and park before using your phone.
When planning your trip, be sure to get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving, advises Dr. Porter. Leave early, plan ahead for heavy traffic, and stop occasionally to help avoid driving fatigue. Before departing, make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled. Never allow children to travel in a car unrestrained or on the lap of an adult or older child.