Orthopedic associations join fight against distracted driving

Washington – One out of every 5 drivers acknowledges that distracted driving is risky but still believes it is possible to multitask while driving, according to findings from a survey released April 6 by two medical associations.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, both based in Rosemont, IL, released the results during the launch of Decide to Drive, a public service advertising campaign intended to stop distracted driving. The campaign includes an interactive website, resources for school curriculum, a poster contest and materials for surgeons to talk to patients about distracted driving.

Harris Interactive polled 1,500 adult drivers for the survey. Eighty-three percent of respondents said they are safe drivers, but estimated only 10 percent of other motorists are safe drivers. Additional survey results show:

• Drivers between 30 and 44 years old were most likely to admit to eating or drinking, talking on a cell phone, or reaching in the back seat of the car while driving.
• Many drivers who have experienced a near accident due to their own distracted driving behavior said they will continue the behavior that caused them to swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.