Safe travels

August 30, 2016   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

The U.S. has succeeded at significantly reducing the number of deaths due to car crashes from 2000-2013, however our level of improvement is significantly lower than that of 19 other high-income countries. In a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the areas where the U.S. needs to make progress to further reduce these preventable deaths are highlighted as follows:

  • Use a seat belt in every seat on every trip
  • Don’t drive impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Obey speed limits
  • Follow child safety recommendations for their age, height, and weight
  • Drive without distractions such as cell phone use (texting, talking, etc.)

Integrative healthcare providers can provide an important contribution to this important public health effort by supporting these measures in their everyday interactions with their patients.  A copy of the CDC Vital Signs for motor vehicle crash deaths provides additional information on how providers can help.