In South Africa it is very likely that many of our road accidents are also caused by drivers becoming distracted, and with a weekend coming up that many of us will most likely turn into a long weekend by taking off Monday, it's as well to get a reminder on how to drive better.
The AAA projects 34.9 million Americans will travel 80km or more from home this upcoming weekend, many of whom will drive to their destination of choice.
Orthopaedic surgeons are the medical doctors who put bones and limbs back together after traumatic injuries, including road crashes and every day, members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) see the traumatic injuries caused by distracted drivers. In an effort to keep drivers safe on the roads, and to ensure they get to their destinations in one piece, AAOS and OTA recently launched a national campaign to reduce the incidence of distracted driving.
"Orthopaedic 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," said AAOS president Daniel J. Berry, MD. Kick off the coming summer this coming weekend with a new, safety-focused habit of driving and consciously drive this holiday weekend.
Follow the AAOS's "Wreck-less" checklist:
In March of 2011, the AAOS commissioned a Harris Interactive Survey, the findings of which revealed how American drivers feel about multitasking, their own behaviour behind the wheel as well as the choices of other drivers.
"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," said Andrew N. Pollak, MD, president of the OTA.