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National Trauma Awareness Day 2023 Passenger AdvocacyToolkit
 

Passenger Advocacy Toolkit

According to a study by Charlton and Starkey (2020) titled Co-driving: Passenger Actions and Distractions, a third of all motor vehicle trips carry more than one passenger. We have been led to believe the presence of passengers may lead to distractions and an increase of motor vehicle related crashes and fatalities, however, their research uncovered something more complex. 
 
  • The presence of a passenger increased safe driving behaviors: seatbelt use, lower alcohol levels, safe driving behaviors -> decreased driver injuries/fatalities and traffic citations/violations
  • Age Matters:
  1. People aged 25+ are more likely to be injured in a crash, if alone.
  2. People < 25 are more likely to be injured in a crash when traveling with one or more passengers. The likelihood of a serious injury crash was 15.55 times more likely when they carried 2 or more same age passengers.
  3. Different findings suggest that older passengers, (25 and older) help the driver by avoiding dangers, remaining focused, etc.
  4. Younger passengers serve as ‘spectators’ leading to a greater likelihood of risk taking in driving style and failure to wear seatbelts.
  5. Younger drivers are safer with older passengers, and even safer than driving alone, if the older passenger serves as a co-driver, vs. being completely silent.
  • Passenger as a ‘collision warning system’:
  1. Beyond the driver’s typical gaze, they share the driving task, such as look for landmarks or signs.
  2. Passengers can serve two functions, first, actions such as, adjusting the radio, heater, answering the phone, etc. The second function passengers can serve is socializing with the driver to keep them awake.
  3. 25% of 2200 respondents stated they felt that fights that take place in the car could lead to a crash

Social Media Posts

 

Never underestimate the power of being a good role model. It is important to be the kind of driver and passenger you would like for your child to be when they are with their friends. Discuss a plan and encourage your teen to call for help if the driver is impaired. 

Be a safe passenger, adopt a “Co-Driver” mindset. Keep an engaging conversation with the driver, prevent other passengers from being disruptive, be quiet during difficult situations, and be a good navigator/lookout for safety hazards.

Create a safe driving contract & identify what a safe drive looks like. (i.e. the passenger will manage music & answer  calls/texts for the driver). Sign it together and keep it in the car.  Review it before each ride. If conflict arises while driving because the driver breaches the contract, maintain peace to avoid escalation and a dangerous situation. At a later safe time, remind the driver of the contract.
 

Be Sure to Tag

 

#NTAM2023

#RoadwaySafetyIsNoAccident

 

@ATSTrauma

 
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