TETAF Launches Just Drive Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact: Ann Ward 512/497-2982

TETAF Launches ‘Just Drive’ Website April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month AUSTIN – The Texas EMS, Trauma & Acute Care Foundation has launched a website as part of its Just Drive injury prevention campaign focused on distracted driving in conjunction with national Distracted Driving Awareness Month. TETAF’s website, www.justdrivetexas.org, provides information and resources to inform drivers about the dangers of driving distracted, even for just a few seconds. “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and can have devastating consequences for the driver, his or her passengers and individuals in other vehicles or pedestrians,” said Robin Garza, RN, M.S.N., chair of TETAF’s Injury Prevention Division. “When your mind or attention is not focused solely on driving, you’re a distracted driver. While cell phones are a major culprit, anything that takes your mind and attention away from your driving is a distraction,” she added. TETAF’s Just Drive campaign involves trauma Regional Advisory Councils, EMS and trauma center professionals across Texas who know first-hand the life-changing impact that distracted driving can have. “Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of trauma fatalities in Texas,” said Dinah S. Welsh, chief executive office of TETAF. “People usually think about texting or cell phone use while driving as the problem, but things such as eating, being drowsy, adjusting the volume of the radio, or using your GPS can cause serious, even fatal accidents,” she added. The Just Drive website includes short videos that tell heart-breaking stories of lives forever changed by distracted driving. National Distracted Driving Awareness Month was created in 2010 when former U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey introduced a resolution that highlighted the tragic death of 9-year-old Erica Forney, who was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Fort Collins, Col., in November 2008. Erica’s mother, Shelley Forney, is a founding board member of FocusDriven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving. “Most distracted drivers just haven’t thought about the potential impact of their driving behavior,” Garza said. “Looking away from the road can have far-reaching consequences. And, finding your lipstick in your purse or searching for a business on your GPS are not as important keeping you and your passengers safe and not harming others,” she added. “Pull off the road in a safe spot to put on make-up or program your GPS,” she advises. “As the trauma program manager for a large urban hospital, I see the consequences for families when a tragic motor vehicle crash occurs. Nothing is harder than telling a parent his or her teen has been killed in an accident, especially when texting or other distracted driving is involved. All distracted driving accidents can be prevented if drivers Just Drive,” she said. Visit www.justdrivetex.org to learn more. Get involved in the Just Drive campaign on Twitter (@JustDrive_TETAF) and Facebook (facebook.com/justdrivetetaf). -30-

About TETAF The nonprofit Texas EMS, Trauma & Acute Care Foundation was formed in 2006 by emergency medical services, trauma and acute-care professionals who wanted to enhance the state’s EMS/trauma/acute-care system statewide. TETAF creates a forum to bring all stakeholders together to discuss issues, ranging from legislative policy and regulatory requirements to better emergency care for specific populations, such as geriatric or pediatric patients. TETAF is a source of timely, relevant information for the trauma/EMS/ ambulance communities, and educates lawmakers and regulators at both the state and federal levels about trauma/EMS/ambulance issues, as appropriate. TETAF also provides cutting-edge continuing education on emergency and disaster topics. For more information, visit www.tetaf.org, and follow TETAF on Twitter @TETAF_news or on Facebook (Texas EMS, Trauma, & Acute Care Foundation). .