Scottsbluff, Neb., – In the time it takes to read this article there is a good chance that someone in the United States will be injured or killed in a car crash caused by one of the 3D’s – drugs/drinking, distraction, and drowsiness.

In May, Regional West Trauma Services will join other trauma agencies in focusing on “3D Trauma Prevention” during National Trauma Awareness Month. This May marks the 27th anniversary of National Trauma Awareness Month, which is organized by the American Trauma Society in collaboration with the Society of Trauma Nurses.

In 2013, the U.S. saw more than 32,000 fatalities and over 2.3 million injuries from motor vehicle crashes. Of those, 31 percent involved an alcohol-impaired driver and 18 percent involved a distracted driver. While these statistics are alarming, the risky behaviors involved are often preventable.   

As a friendly reminder, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, don’t text and drive, eliminate or ignore other distractions until you can pull over and stop to rest if you are tired.

If you would like Regional West Trauma Services Injury Prevention to speak at your civic event, school, church group, or other organization, contact Holly Johnston at 308-630-1584 or email Holly.Johnston@rwhs.org.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.