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Agroup of Orthopedic Surgeons is relying on good old-fashioned shock value to relay a compelling message about a deadly practice.
To warn the public about the dangers of texting and driving, the doctors have created a dramatic public service campaign with a harrowing image: a bloodied and shattered windshield emblazoned with the message OMG (common “textese” for“Oh My God.”)
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) joined forces with the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) to create the eye-opening campaign, which urges drivers to refrain from texting while driving. According to AAOS, texting is a dangerous distraction that can cause catastrophic accidents -resulting in severe orthopedic injuries or even death.
“The problem with the use of 24/7 communications devices is that every driverbelieves he or she is immune to slip ups, but isn't. Orthopedic surgeons want to prevent the pain and suffering associated with texting-and-driving accidents. To say this habit can be deadly is the truth; it is an outcome we unfortunately see every day,” said AAOS President John J. Callaghan, MD.
In fact, the National Safety Council (NCS) estimates that nearly 28 percent of crashes - about 1.6 million a year - can be attributed to cell phone talking and texting while driving.
Early last year, the state of California banned texting while driving, mandating a$20 fine for first time offenders. But reports indicate that text-happy motorists are ignoring the law.
Offering further evidence that texting and driving are a potentially lethal combination, Car and Driver magazine examined the issue recently. Carand Driver's experiment revealed that drivers who text are even slower to react than those who drink. Many experts agree that texting and driving is just as - or even more - dangerous than drunken driving.
Thosewho work in the medical industry see the aftermath of texting and driving firsthand. Kudos to these dedicated doctors for working to raise public awareness and ultimately make a difference.