WASHINGTON, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Auto Alliance today joined the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) at their launch of a national initiative to encourage drivers to focus on driving, or "Decide to Drive," every time they get behind the wheel.  The multi-media campaign – sponsored in part by the Alliance and launched at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. – includes an interactive Web site (www.decidetodrive.org), a public service announcement campaign, a student PSA contest and much more.

"Deciding to drive – focusing on the driving task – is one of the most important things a driver can do," said Alliance Interim President and CEO John Whatley.  "That's why we're working so closely with federal and state policymakers as well as organizations like AAOS and OTA."

"While Alliance members continue using research, data and innovation to make autos ever safer, it's important to remind drivers that they also have an important role to play in their own safety.  Consumer education, coupled with high-visibility enforcement and enhanced technology is how we've been successful at making the roads safer than ever before.  In fact, just last week the U.S. Department of Transportation announced record low highway fatality figures (www.autoalliance.org/saferoadstats).  Part of how we got there was incorporating what we're doing right now:  engaging in consumer education," added Whatley.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland, and others, spoke at the campaign's launch.  The event included the announcement of a PSA contest for students, already produced public awareness advertisements and the release of a new Harris Interactive Survey on distracted driving.

"We've known distracted driving has been a problem for some time, but the survey results confirm it. Convincing people to heed the message of this campaign is essential if we are going to cut down on the number of deaths and injuries caused by distracted drivers. Orthopaedic surgeons have a simple message – driving is one of the most important things you do all day – so decide to drive – and give it your full attention," said AAOS President Daniel J. Berry, M.D.

Orthopaedic surgeons share the Alliance's concern for this issue.  They are the medical doctors who often must put bones and limbs back together after traumatic injuries, including road crashes.  The groups will continue working together to advance the "Decide to Drive" message to ensure that drivers continue understanding their importance in road safety.

For more information on Alliance's commitment to helping drivers focus on the road visit www.autoalliance.org/driverfocusfacts.  Visit AAOS at www.aaos.org and OTA at www.ota.org; and always get the latest on the "Decide to Drive" campaign at www.decidetodrive.org.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 12 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.  Learn more at www.autoalliance.org.

SOURCE Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers