POCATELLO -- Memorial Day weekend is the official start of the summer season. BBQ’s, camping trips and family vacations begin leading to busier roads and an increase in traffic accidents and deaths. As society begins to emerge from the pandemic, travel will increase and the roads will be more crowded. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 deadliest days.” During this time, fatal crashes nearly double compared to the rest of the year.
The three most common factors in Idaho motor vehicle crashes are aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving.
Aggressive driving includes behaviors such as: failure to yield right of way, failure to obey a stop sign, exceeded posted speed, driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, and failure to obey a traffic signal. Aggressive driving is a contributing factor in 50% of crashes in Idaho.
Distracted driving is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention away from the task of driving to focus on another activity. Distracted driving include: texting or talking on the phone, eating and drinking, using the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system, and talking to people inside the vehicle. The use of electronic devices account for 50% of distracted driving related fatality crashes.
Impaired driving is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just over 44% of all fatalities were a result of crashes due to impaired driving.
Portneuf Medical Center is asking everyone to help keep Idaho roads safe this summer.
- Buckle up!
- Pay attention!
- Wear a helmet when on a motorcycle, dirt bike, or bicycle.
- Stay off the phone – Do Not Disturb while driving
- Stay rested
- Stay sober
- Obey the speed limit
- Beware in construction zones
For more summer safety information, visit portneuf.org/safe-summer.
As an American College of Surgeons verified level II Trauma Center, we provide world class care to all trauma patients. With highly trained emergency staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we are committed to providing quality care. The number of trauma patients cared for at Portneuf Medical Center has increased yearly for over 10 years, including the past year during the pandemic.
As an American College of Surgeons verified level II Trauma Center, Portneuf Medical Center participates in the national Trauma Quality Improvement Program. Participation in this program allows trauma centers to measure and improve their quality of care for trauma patients. Based on the most recent report, the overall score places Portneuf Medical Center in the top 20% of all trauma centers in the United States for trauma outcomes, with scores above the national average in every category measured. This result is significant as it demonstrates independent verification of quality of care in comparison to other trauma centers.
Portneuf Medical Center encourages you to have a safe, healthy and productive summer. Please drive safely, wear your seatbelt, and pay attention. Please encourage others to do the same. The life you save may be your own.
To learn more about our trauma and surgical services, visit Portneuf.org/surgery.