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January 28, 2013

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School Students “Decide to Drive” on January 29

Orthopaedic surgeons and automakers provide students with tools to start and continue the conversation about the dangers of distracted driving

WHAT: The award-winning “Decide to Drive” campaign, a joint effort between the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance), is coming to Baltimore, Md., to start the conversation with Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School students, and their parents, about the dangers of distracted driving, and to encourage them to speak up whenever they see someone driving distracted while on the road.
 
The distracted driving program includes an introductory video, skits led by Chicago Improv veterans, and interviews in a talk show format. Students will receive tips and materials to help ensure that they, and anyone who drives, keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
WHERE: Mintzes Theatre
Rosen Arts Center
Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
3300 Old Court Rd.
Baltimore, Md.
WHEN: Tues., Jan. 29, 2013
7:30 p.m.
WHO: At least 200 students and parents are expected to participate in the program featuring:
  • A team of actors led by Chicago Improv veteran Mark Sutton; and
  • AAOS member Andrew N. Pollak, MD,professor of orthopaedics and head of the University of Maryland School Of Medicine’s Division of Orthopaedic Traumatology, and associate director of trauma and chief of orthopaedics at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
More information:
Since 2009, orthopaedic surgeons and automakers have urged drivers to “decide to drive” behind the wheel and to avoid texting, eating, talking on the phone and to passengers, and other distractions while driving. The award-winning awareness/prevention campaign includes an interactive website; print, television and radio public service advertisements; an elementary school educational curriculum; and active social media outreach.
 
Each year, approximately 378,000 Americans are injured in distracted driving-related crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 3,331 fatalities in distraction-affected crashes in 2011. And, according to the results of an AAOS-Harris Interactive survey, 94 percent of drivers believe that distracted driving is a problem in the U.S. while 89 percent believe it is a problem within their own communities.
 
“Decide to Drive” teen programs have been held at Niles North High School in suburban Chicago, and at East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa, Ariz. Subsequent events are planned for Denver in April 2013.
 

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Decide to Drive
Auto Alliance
Andrew N. Pollak, MD
For more information on bone and joint health, visit orthoinfo.org
More information about the AAOS

Contact(s):
Kristina Goel
phone: 847-384-4034 		Kayee Ip
phone: 847-384-4035
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