On a daily basis, they witness the devastating injuries that motor vehicle crashes cause. They observe first hand the effects that crashes have on unbelted occupants, their families, and their friends. Despite dramatic advances in health care, injuries remain a major medical problem. Injuries remain the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 44.
Injuries pose a significant drain on society's resources.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to represent the largest portion of this epidemic. These physicians are some of the most trusted and influential members of their communities. Therefore, they have a great impact on the development of the community. Emergency physicians can help increase seat belt use, help pass stronger seat belt laws, and actively support law enforcement's efforts to visibly enforce seat belt and child safety seat laws. A total of ten Emergency Residency Programs located in four of six Region V states have invited the Regional Office to speak on motor vehicle injury prevention topics.