CoxHealth Trauma Services notes increase in vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents

Following simple safety tips for pedestrians and drivers can save lives

CoxHealth Trauma Services has noted an increase in the number of vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents over the past few months. A number of these cases have been fatal. “Most of the victims have been in their teens and early 20s,” says Jami Blackwell, CoxHealth Trauma Services coordinator.

Blackwell attributes the increase to a number of factors, including warmer temperatures and healthier lifestyles causing more people to walk, run and bike along area roadways. That, combined with drivers who are often distracted by texting or talking on cell phones, can lead to serious, and sometimes fatal, accidents. “We want to remind everyone of the precautions they can take to stay safe,” she says.

Safety tips for walkers, runners and bike riders:

· Be aware of your surroundings, and make eye contact with people driving vehicles near you.

· Avoid texting, talking on your cell phone, and listening to music.

· Cross at crosswalks and obey all traffic signals and signs.

· Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially at night.

· Don’t step off the curb between parked cars.

· Parents should be near small children at all times when outside in areas where moving vehicles may be present.

Safety tips for drivers:

· Don’t text or talk on the cell phone while driving.

· Pay attention to your surroundings, and make note of any pedestrians in your vicinity.

· Be especially mindful in neighborhoods where children may play outside, and in parking lots.

To learn more safety tips for pedestrians and drivers, listen to our podcast at http://www.coxhealth.com/body.cfm?id=5459.