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This Thanksgiving, Just Drive!

EMS/Trauma Providers Urge Safe, Non-Distracted Driving

CITY – Local EMS, hospital and trauma providers urge residents of NAME of Town to focus on their driving during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. “Many people will be driving to visit family and friends this week, and it’s easy to become distracted or drowsy on the road,” said NAME, title.

The National Safety Council estimates 436 deaths from traffic crashes will occur for the 2013 Thanksgiving Day holiday period, which begins at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1. During the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday period in 2012, Texas had 43 fatal crashes which resulted in 46 individuals’ deaths.

NSC estimates that 158lives may be saved this Thanksgiving Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 109 lives could be saved if all wore safety belts.“Statistics show that adults and children who are wearing a seat belt have a better chance of surviving a motor vehicle accident,” said LASTNAME.

“Distracted driving – whether from fatigue, use of electronic devices or passengers – is dangerous driving,” said LAST Name. “Name of Hospital is participating in the Texas EMS, Trauma & Acute-Care Foundation’s campaign Just Drive! As health care providers, we see the life-changing and heart-breaking consequences of distracted driving. We urge drivers to stay focused and drive safely, especially during this upcoming holiday period.”

Safe driving includes the following behaviors:

  • Wear your safety belt every trip, every time – even when traveling a short distance, and make sure all other passengers, including all children, are buckled up before you drive;
  • Drive the speed limit and slow down if weather or road conditions are not optimum;
  • Don’t consume alcohol and drive;
  • Pay attention, put down the phone and don’t text and drive; and
  • Take frequent breaks and get enough rest – drowsy driving is dangerous driving.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation's website, the last fatality-free day in the state was Nov. 7, 2000. Since then, 45,032 people have been killed on Texas roadways. State data show that one of the leading causes of traffic deaths continues to be alcohol. "To date, 13,544 alcohol-related fatalities have been recorded since Nov. 7, 2000," the site states.

Distracted driving also is a leading cause of roadway deaths. Since Jan. 1, 2008, there have been 2,719 fatalities caused by distracted driving. There also have been 5,469 unrestrained vehicle occupants killed since Jan. 1, 2008.

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