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AAOS warns against distracted driving, offers tips to holiday travelers
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In anticipation of Memorial Day weekend travel, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offered safety advice to counter distracted driving.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association have launched a national campaign to reduce the incidence of distracted driving.
“Orthopedic surgeons have a simple message: Driving is one of the most important things you do all day, so decide to drive and give it your full attention,” Daniel J. Berry, MD, president of AAOS stated in a press release from the group.
According to the release, U.S. Department of Transportation statistics indicate that nearly 6,000 individuals died and more than half a million were injured in crashes associated with driver distraction of all types in 2008.
Among the tips AAOS has released for drivers are:
- Entering the destination address into a global positioning system (GPS), or reviewing maps and written directions prior to driving;
- Avoiding eating or drinking while driving, as well as moving all potential distractions such as reading materials and cell phones away from easy reach; and
- Stopping the vehicle in a safe area if a distraction arises that requires immediate attention.
In March of 2011, the AAOS commissioned a Harris Interactive Survey to assess how American drivers feel about multitasking — as well as their own behavior behind the wheel and the choices of other drivers. Of more than 1,500 drivers surveyed, none reported their own driving as unsafe. Eighty-three percent claimed to drive safely, but believe that 10% of other motorists drive safely.
Furthermore, though drivers are aware that distracted driving compromises the ability of others to drive safely, 20% of respondents noted that they are a good enough driver that they can multitask without compromising their ability. Among those who self-reported distracted driving behaviors overall, those in the age range of 30 years to 44 years were more likely to admit eating, drinking, talking on a cell phone or reaching into the back seat of the car while driving.
“Our goal is to get all drivers who are used to ‘getting away with it’ to learn now — not later, the hard way — that it isn’t worth it,” Andrew N. Pollak, MD, president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, stated in the release.
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