Orthopaedic Surgeons Urge Drivers to Share Stories of Distraction

WHAT:

With the announcement of the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) proposed ban on handheld cell phone use and texting behind the wheel, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) encourages passengers and drivers of all ages to participate in this important national dialogue on driver distraction and share their stories of driver distractions -- from the everyday to the shocking -- at www.decidetodrive.org.

WHY: 

Orthopaedic surgeons are among the doctors who treat traumatic injuries resulting from distracted driving-related crashes. The AAOS, in partnership with the Auto Alliance, a group of 12 automobile manufacturers, wants to eliminate driver distraction by raising awareness and concern about these all-too-common occurrences with an online forum and national public service campaign.

The campaign's ads suggest: "OMG: Texting While Driving is a Deadly Distraction" and "Behind the Wheel There is no Such Thing as a Small Distraction." The "Decide to Drive" campaign has an online forum to report incidences of distracted driving, learn more about this problem, and continue the discussion on Twitter and Facebook. On the site, visitors also can see the shocking TV advertisement and hear the radio spots.

Driving is one of the most important things you do all day—so decide to drive—and give it your full attention.

WHO:

Drivers and passengers of all ages who have ever had a crash or a near-crash because of a distraction or have ever witnessed someone who was distracted driving

WHEN:

Log on to www.decidetodrive.org today to share your story!