Automakers Join Orthopaedic Surgeons in Education Efforts to Stop Distracted Driving

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers today joined The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) in a national public education campaign on the dangers of texting while driving.  The partnership's initial efforts include placing the AAOS/OTA's already-successful "OMG: Get the Message" campaign signs in thousands of doctors' office waiting rooms nationwide.  

The overall "OMG" campaign already includes patient-education materials (including postcards and posters) as well as airport advertising and billboards in hundreds of locations throughout the country. While the groups have set up Web sites with more information at www.aaos.org/donttext, www.ota.org/donttext and www.autoalliance.org/driverfocusfacts, the broad campaign also will include social media initiatives and a radio advertising campaign.

"We see life-changing injuries from distracted-driving related crashes every day. We want people to know that that call, e-mail or text simply isn't worth the risk. Every driver believes he or she is immune to slip ups, but the shocking statistics prove that's not the case. Orthopaedic surgeons want to prevent the pain, suffering and devastating injuries associated with texting-and-driving crashes," said AAOS President John J. Callaghan, MD.

"We're pleased to be able to work with these two leading medical associations to spread this message," said Alliance President and CEO Dave McCurdy.  "While our industry spends billions to continue developing technology that helps drivers focus on the road, we also support state laws banning the use of handheld cell phones and texting devices while driving.  We also know that education and awareness are important parts of the solution, too."

"Digital technology has created a connected culture here in this country that's forever changed our society," added McCurdy.  "Drivers are going to have conversations, listen to music and read maps while driving, and automakers are helping them do this more safely with integrated connectivity technologies.  That's why automakers developed Driver Focus Guidelines that cover the way in-vehicle technology is designed, to help drivers keep their eyes on the road."

"OTA, with AAOS, has created a shocking advertisement with one goal in mind – to get drivers of all ages to take notice. We're seeing more and more injuries – and even fatalities – related to texting and driving.  Many of the traumatic injuries we treat can be avoided by simply choosing to stop texting behind the wheel, so we want drivers to 'get the message' that texting and driving is dangerous," said OTA President Timothy J. Bray, MD.

The partnership among the three associations will continue to deliver the message through social media outlets, radio ads and even in one-on-one conversations between doctors and patients of any age that texting while driving is a deadly distraction.  

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's (VTTI) 100-Car Naturalistic Study found that the odds of a crash or near-miss more than doubled when a driver's eyes were off the road ahead for more than two seconds (http://www.vtti.vt.edu/PDF/100-Car_Fact-Sheet.pdf).  The Alliance's guidelines specify that displays must be mounted high enough in the vehicle so drivers can continue seeing the roadway with their peripheral vision, even while glancing at the display.  They also limit the amount of visual and manual demand that any particular task can impose on a driver.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 11 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen Group of America. For more information, visit the Alliance Web site at www.autoalliance.org.

With more than 36,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, (www.aaos.org or www.orthoinfo.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality of musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. www.aaos.org

The mission of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) is to promote excellence in care for the injured patient, through provision of scientific forums and support of musculoskeletal research and education of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the public. www.ota.org

SOURCE Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers