EMS Effort to Stop Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in New Jersey.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and ATT, 98% of Americans agree that texting while driving is dangerous, yet 74 % of them admit to doing it anyway. Despite successful distracted driving education and awareness campaigns, people continue to use cell phones and other handheld devices while driving. Knowledge of the risk has not influenced distracted driving behavior.

According to a paramedic online publication, emergency responders see first-hand the devastation caused by distracted driving car accidents every day. The CDC reported that over 3,300 fatalities and 421,000 injuries occurred as a result of distracted driving accidents in 2012. Those at risk for being injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver include drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Emergency responders are also at risk every time they assist people on the side of the road. In December, 2014 a Delaware EMT and volunteer firefighter was struck by a distracted driver after exiting his vehicle to help a driver involved in another crash. The injured first responder was rushed to the hospital in critical condition where doctors were able to able to stabilize him and treat his car accident injuries.

The online paramedic publication, implores EMS personnel to make an effort to change distracted driving behavior. the EMS online publication suggests that EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers lead the campaign against distracted driving by engaging children in the effort. Classroom visits and safety programs led by EMS should include information on the dangers of using a cell phone and texting while driving. The hope is that children, eager to help those they view as heroes, will willingly speak up and warn their parents not to use a handheld device in the car.