Region 5 staff have long recognized the important contributions to traffic safety provided by the medical community. They are also aware that emergency physicians are in a unique position to influence the actions of those with whom they come in contact. These physicians are daily witnesses to the devastating injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, and the effect these crashes have on unbelted vehicle occupants, their families and friends. They know that if most motor vehicle crash victims had buckled their seat belts, they would have survived the crash or minimized their injuries. A total of 10 Emergency Residency Programs in the Region 5 states have invited regional office staff to speak on injury prevention topics in 1998 and 1999.
Program evaluations following each presentation are very positive.
Residency program directors have requested additional brochures and injury prevention materials to distribute to emergency physicians.