Tag Archives: Distracted driving

Straight, No Chaser: Distracted Driving

Trauma, Health Prevention, , , , ,

distracted-driving

I find lawmakers fascinating. For example, when states fail to pass distracted driving laws in the name of “freedom,” aren’t they basically signing off on Darwinism (i.e. survival of the fittest)? It’s as if they’re saying “well you’re free to do it, but if you’re dumb enough to get hurt, that’s on you.” Of course that ignores the fact that innocent bystanders are affected. Would you believe that more than 1,000 people are injured and almost 10 people die every day in the U.S. due to distracted drivers? Of course you would, because virtually every individual who reads this has engaged in one distracted driving behavior or another at some point.

distracted-driving-mascara-getty-630

Driving is difficult. Unfortunately, it’s not always simply our actions that lead to motor vehicle crashes. These crashes often involve more than one vehicle, and sometimes a drunk, distracted or otherwise impaired driver hits another car, the driver of which may be completely at attention. Thus, driving without distractions is about giving yourself the best opportunity to react to the conditions around you.
distractions-while-driving2


The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes distracting driving into three main types:

  • Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving
  • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
  • Visual: taking your eyes off the road

 Distraction-Rating-System

I know it seems like virtually anything you do in a car, from having a conversation to sipping on a drink qualifies, and in the event that seems a bit overbearing, remember you don’t get to see the consequences of all the bad decisions that lead to various death and other calamities that show up in an emergency room. If nothing else, today, I’d like for you to especially consider eliminating texting while driving because it combines all three of the above forms of distraction.
DistractedDriving
Here is additional data provided by the CDC.

  • In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, compared to 416,000 people injured in 2010.1
  • In 2010, nearly one in five crashes (18%) in which someone was injured involved distracted driving.
  • 69% of drivers in the United States ages 18-64 reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
  • In Europe, this percentage ranged from 21% in the United Kingdom to 59% in Portugal.
  • 31% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
  • In Europe, this percentage ranged from 15% in Spain to 31% in Portugal.

Many states are banning texting while driving, or using graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to keep it from occurring. That said, at the end of the day, this isn’t going to be legislated away. Even you will or won’t reduce your individual risk, and that can be done in some very specific ways.

  • While driving, place your phone out of reach, or just cut it off.
  • While a passenger, be assertive in preventing the driver from engaging in distracted activities.

distractedjklol

It’s up to you. The life you save may be your own. I’ll text you later.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Distracted Driving

Trauma, Health Prevention, , , , ,

distracted-driving

I find lawmakers fascinating. For example, when states fail to pass distracted driving laws in the name of “freedom,” aren’t they basically signing off on Darwinism (i.e. survival of the fittest)? It’s as if they’re saying “well you’re free to do it, but if you’re dumb enough to get hurt, that’s on you.” Of course that ignores the fact that innocent bystanders are affected. Would you believe that more than 1,000 people are injured and almost 10 people die every day in the U.S. due to distracted drivers? Of course you would, because virtually every individual who reads this has engaged in one distracted driving behavior or another at some point.

distracted-driving-mascara-getty-630

Driving is difficult. Unfortunately, it’s not always simply our actions that lead to motor vehicle crashes. These crashes often involve more than one vehicle, and sometimes a drunk, distracted or otherwise impaired driver hits another car, the driver of which may be completely at attention. Thus, driving without distractions is about giving yourself the best opportunity to react to the conditions around you.
distractions-while-driving2


The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes distracting driving into three main types:

  • Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving
  • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
  • Visual: taking your eyes off the road

 Distraction-Rating-System

I know it seems like virtually anything you do in a car, from having a conversation to sipping on a drink qualifies, and in the event that seems a bit overbearing, remember you don’t get to see the consequences of all the bad decisions that lead to various death and other calamities that show up in an emergency room. If nothing else, today, I’d like for you to especially consider eliminating texting while driving because it combines all three of the above forms of distraction.
DistractedDriving
Here is additional data provided by the CDC.

  • In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, compared to 416,000 people injured in 2010.1
  • In 2010, nearly one in five crashes (18%) in which someone was injured involved distracted driving.
  • 69% of drivers in the United States ages 18-64 reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
  • In Europe, this percentage ranged from 21% in the United Kingdom to 59% in Portugal.
  • 31% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
  • In Europe, this percentage ranged from 15% in Spain to 31% in Portugal.

Many states are banning texting while driving, or using graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to keep it from occurring. That said, at the end of the day, this isn’t going to be legislated away. Even you will or won’t reduce your individual risk, and that can be done in some very specific ways.

  • While driving, place your phone out of reach, or just cut it off.
  • While a passenger, be assertive in preventing the driver from engaging in distracted activities.

distractedjklol

It’s up to you. The life you save may be your own. I’ll text you later.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright, Sterling Initiatives, LLC. 2013-2015

Straight, No Chaser In The News: Distracted Driving

Trauma, Public Health, , , , , ,

distracted-driving

In the news are the unfortunate events surrounding comedian Tracy Morgan’s motor vehicle crash with a truck driver allegedly impaired due to sleep deprivation. I remember driving off the road years ago while eating a greasy fast food fish sandwich (you know the one). Would you believe that more than 1,000 people are injured and almost 10 people die every day in the U.S. due to distracted drivers? Of course you would, because virtually every individual who reads this has engaged in one distracted driving behavior or another at some point.

 distracted-driving-mascara-getty-630

Driving is difficult. Unfortunately, it’s not always simply our actions that lead to motor vehicle crashes. These crashes often involve more than one vehicle, and sometimes a drunk, distracted or otherwise impaired driver hits another car, the driver of which may be completely at attention. Thus, driving without distractions is about giving yourself the best opportunity to react to the conditions around you.
distractions-while-driving2

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes distracting driving into three main types:

  • Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving
  • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
  • Visual: taking your eyes off the road

 Distraction-Rating-System

I know it seems like virtually anything you do in a car, from having a conversation to sipping on a drink qualifies, and in the event that seems a bit overbearing, remember you don’t get to see the consequences of all the bad decisions that lead to various death and other calamities that show up in an emergency room. If nothing else, today, I’d like for you to especially consider eliminating texting while driving because it combines all three of the above forms of distraction.
DistractedDriving
Here is additional data provided by the CDC.

  • In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, compared to 416,000 people injured in 2010.1
  • In 2010, nearly one in five crashes (18%) in which someone was injured involved distracted driving.
  • 69% of drivers in the United States ages 18-64 reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
  • In Europe, this percentage ranged from 21% in the United Kingdom to 59% in Portugal.
  • 31% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
  • In Europe, this percentage ranged from 15% in Spain to 31% in Portugal.

Many states are banning texting while driving, or using graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to keep it from occurring. That said, at the end of the day, this isn’t going to be legislated away. Even you will or won’t reduce your individual risk, and that can be done in some very specific ways.

  • While driving, place your phone out of reach, or just cut it off.
  • While a passenger, be assertive in preventing the driver from engaging in distracted activities.

distractedjklol

It’s up to you. The life you save may be your own. I’ll text you later.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress. We are also on Facebook atSterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Straight, No Chaser: Trauma Quick Tips and The Week In Review

Medical Treatment, Health Prevention, , , , , , , , , , , ,

cch trauma
This week in Straight, No Chaser, we reviewed multiple topics related to Trauma, the #1 cause of death between ages 1-44.  Here’s the Week In Review and featured Quick Tips.
1)   Over the weekend, we started with discussions of Amputations of Permanent Teeth and Fingers.

  1. Remember, you lose 1% viability per minute for a dislodged tooth.  Get help quick!  https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/27/straight-no-chaser-saturday-quick-tips-the-tooth-of-the-matter-is/
  2. The transport of displaced fingers and teeth is vital to successful reimplantation.  Never place them directly on ice!  https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/28/sunday-quick-tips-give-me-the-finger/

2)   On Monday, we talked about Motor Vehicle Crashes.
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/29/straight-no-chaser-human-shark-week-part-1-motor-vehicle-trauma/
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/29/trauma-quick-tips-how-to-survive-that-motor-vehicle-crash-mvc/

  1. Avoiding distracted driving is the most important factor in preventing crashes.
  2. Wearing your seat beat is the most important factor in surviving crashes.
  3. The middle back seat (while wearing a seat belt) is the safest place in the car.

3)   On Tuesday, we reviewed Traumatic Brain Injuries/Concussions.
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/30/straight-no-chaser-heads-up-traumatic-brain-injuries-concussions-part-i/
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/30/straight-no-chaser-heads-up-traumatic-brain-injuries-concussion-part-ii/
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/30/straight-no-chaser-concussions-post-script-a-neurologists-thoughts/

  1. Dr. Flippen, a neurologist from UCLA, reminded us that most patients will recover but never as fast as they wish.
  2. After a head injury, expect not to be released back to sporting activity for at least two weeks.

4)   On Wednesday, we reviewed Mass Disasters and talked about the importance of an Emergency Kit.
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/31/straight-no-chaser-when-disaster-strikes/

  1. Remember to have access to 1 gallon per day per person, half for drinking and half for cooking/hygiene.

5)   On Wednesday, we also discussed Dog, Cat and Shark Bites.
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/07/31/straight-no-chaser-who-let-the-dogs-out-animal-bites/

  1. Cat scratches are also a major infection risk and should be evaluated.
  2. Who’d have thought sharks were nibbling you out of curiosity instead of biting you out of hunger?

6)   On Thursday, we reviewed Penetrating Trauma (Gunshot and Stab Wounds).  https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/08/01/straight-no-chaser-gunshot-and-stab-wounds/

  1. Remember the ‘Golden Hour’ of Trauma and get seen as soon as possible after being stabbed or shot, just as soon as you ensure your safety.
  2. It is very important to avoid worsening possible spinal injuries by excessive movement.

7)   On Friday, we reviewed Residential Fires and its associated trauma.

  1. In Part I, we emphasized the importance of installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, having an escape plan and not sticking around to fight the fire.   https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/08/02/straight-no-chaser-the-roof-is-on-fire-the-trauma-of-residential-fires/
  2. In Part II, we discussed treatment of possible injuries that may occur.  https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/08/02/straight-no-chaser-your-questions-on-treatment-of-fire-related-injuries/
  3. Remember if any head or neck injuries exist, try your best not to move.
  4. Remember that if you’re feeling like you have the flu after being exposed to a fire, it could be carbon monoxide poisoning!

8)   On Saturday, we reviewed Snakebites.
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/08/03/straight-no-chaser-stop-the-life-you-save-may-be-your-own-snake-bites/

  1. We debunked the myth about sucking venom out of snakebite wounds.  Don’t do it!

9)   Saturday, we also reviewed Elderly Falls.
https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/2013/08/03/straight-no-chaser-ive-fallen-and-cant-get-up-quick-tips-on-elderly-falls/

  1. We identified head injuries/bleeds, lacerations and hip fractures as injuries to guard against.
  2. We discussed the importance of home improvements, diet, exercise and checking for osteoporosis and vision checking for maintainance of health.

Straight, No Chaser: The Drama of Motor Vehicle Trauma

Health Prevention, Trauma, , , , , , ,

crash01
‘Tis not my task to preach but to inform.   Maybe you think you’ve heard it all before, but let me lay it all out for you so you can truly be an informed consumer.  Forewarned is forearmed.  There’s a reason you hear so much about drinking or texting and driving, wearing seat belts/helmets and speeding.  We have to kick off Human Shark Week with the biggest and baddest predator in the Trauma World: motor vehicle crashes.
Motor vehicle collisons are the single leading cause of death among those between ages 5-34 in the US.  More than 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in ERs as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009.   Let’s lay this out simply and review the risks, the consequences and preventative efforts you should be taking.
Risky Behavior: Danger is enhanced by various distractions and inadequate protection.  The mistake people make is not understanding that much of the danger is outside of your control – other drivers.  If you’re impaired or distracted, you can’t respond effectively.  I’ve seen it all.

  1. Drinking while driving – Stop it with the “I can handle my liquor” nonsense.  Someone dies every hour from drinking while driving.  It’s not just drunk driving, it’s impaired driving.  Your senses are altered and ability to respond diminished at any level of alcohol consumption and is incrementally more so with more consumption.
  2. Texting while driving
  3. Eating while driving
  4. Reading while driving
  5. Doing your hair/shaving/makeup while driving
  6. Kissing and other sexual activities while driving
  7. Motorcycle driving/riding without a helmet
  8. Letting your children drive without a license and/or formal training: it’s all too true.  Teens are most at risk for accidents and being impaired/distracted/drunk while driving.
  9. Letting your children ride in the front of the car
  10. Not wearing seat belts (the biggest mistake of them all)

Injuries:
I’ve seen nearly every conceivable injury from motor vehicle collisions.  It doesn’t take as much effort as you’d think to have a very bad life after a crash.  Consider the following possible going head to toe (and yes, the list is abbreviated)…

  • Traumatic Brain Injury, including intracranial bleeds, strokes, seizures, concussions, herniation and death…
  • Neck Injury, including fractures, strains, pinched nerves, temporary and permanent loss of motion/sensation in your extremities…
  • Chest wall bruising, heart and lung bruising, collapsed lungs, stab wounds to the heart and lungs, ruptured heart vessels…
  • Abdominal injuries, including contusions to and rupture of the liver, spleen, pancreas, diaphragm and intestines…
  • Genital, urinary and pelvic injuries, including the kidneys and multiple fractures…
  • Nervous, psychologic and musculoskeletal system injuries, including contusions, life-threatening fractures and dislocations, paralysis, facial disfigurement and other scarring, post-traumatic stress syndrome and long term pain syndromes.

Prevention:

  1. Seat belt use reduces serious injuries and deaths in crashes by 50%.  Air bags provide added protection but are not a substitute for seat belts in a crash.
  2. Wear a seat belt every time, every trip.
  3. Seat all kids under 12 in the back seat.
  4. Seat backseat passengers in the middle (it’s the safest spot in the car)
  5. Regarding any function on a smartphone, if you can’t be hands free, it can wait.  If you must use your hands, pull over.
  6. Remember designated drivers?  Yes, that’s still a thing.
  7. If you’re on a motorcycle, wear a helmet, every time, every trip.
  8. Protect your teen.  No license, no vehicle.  Consider driving school.

Impaired and distracted driving will cause you harm; it’s not an ‘if it’ll happen’ situation, it’s ‘when it happens’. Please consider the points I’ve mentioned and the lives of passengers/other drivers when deciding how you handle your vehicle.  Good luck.