Keep Falls & Fender Benders Off Your Summer Schedule May 7, 2025 The warm days of spring and summer make this a favorite time of year — with outdoor activities topping the list of many. But nothing foils a day of adventure or list of to-dos like an unexpected trip to a hospital emergency room. “Motor vehicle collisions and falls make up nearly 75% of the trauma patients treated at Good Samaritan,” said Katie Hennick, RN, Trauma Services manager at the Corvallis hospital. “Motorcycle crashes, bicycle crashes and pedestrians struck by a vehicle make up about 15 to 20%.” Prevent & Survive an Automobile Collision Driving is such an everyday part of our lives it can be easy to forget just how important it is to prioritize driving safety when getting behind the wheel. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 and 55in the U.S. Keep these common sense “rules of the road” in mind whether you’re making a short trip to the store or a road trip to the coast. Avoid Distracted Driving Use the do not disturb feature on your phone when you’re driving. If you need directions for your intended destination, set up your request before you leave. Wear Your Seatbelt Wear your seatbelt and use secured child seats and commit to keeping this lifelong habit. Telling yourself, “It’s just a quick trip to the store,” won’t lessen the impact on your life if you have an accident. Stay Tuned-in Be aware of your surroundings and maintain the assigned speed limit. Make a point of noting posted speeds along your route. It can be easy for your mind to drift when driving along a familiar road but keeping alert can make all the difference in perceiving a potential driving hazard and reacting in time. Even at 20 miles per hour a car can travel an additional 40 to 60 feet (3 to 4 car-lengths) before it can come to a full stop. Many factors impact your ability to brake in time to avoid an accident. These include driving speed, your attention and ability to quickly react, road conditions, the weight of your vehicle and the condition or your tires and brakes. Practice Smart Driving Habits Use headlights and turn signals so others can see you and anticipate your actions. Maintain proper distance and practice defensive driving. Staying alert to the task at hand will help you to anticipate the actions of others and react quickly when needed. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Repair From brakes and tires, to functioning headlights, taillights, turn signals and windshield wipers — all enhance your ability to see, be seen and react appropriately — and likewise they help others to respond similarly to you. Don’t Drive If You’re Impaired or Fatigued Remember, driving safely is a personal responsibility. When you’re at your best and doing your best behind the wheel it benefits everyone. If you easily nod-off while watching TV in the evenings, then a long drive in the evening is likely not a wise plan. Know your limits and recognize when you’re at your best for the safety of yourself and others. Prevent Trips, Slips & Falls Around the House Falls are a common reason for emergency hospital visits no matter the time of year. One-third of Americans over the age of 65 fall each year, with one out of five resulting in serious injury such as broken bones or head injuries. Furthermore, 95% of hip fractures are due to falls and are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. There are many simple, preventative steps you can take to lessen your chances of having an accidental fall. Access your home and yard with fresh eyes and take care of the issues you have on your to-do list before they unexpectedly take advantage of you! Remove Indoor & Outdoor Tripping Hazards Throw rugs and extensions cords are a common cause of indoor falls, while yard debris like pinecones and other tree litter are frequent outdoor offenders —especially when navigating a slope on your property. Survey your home for those potential issues and keep outdoor areas swept or raked. Light Indoor & Outdoor Pathways Consider whether your home could benefit from additional lighting. Adding a small lamp or a few night lights can make a notable improvement to see where you’re going and avoid a stumble. Want to add color or a creative touch? There are many fun options for adding ambiance and extra light to your home — from LED strip lighting under cabinets to colorful strings of remote-controlled fairy lights that let you adjust light patterns and easily turn them on and off. Outdoor areas can benefit from extra lighting too. Spring is a great time to find solar lighting for pathways or spots in your yard that need additional light. Add a Few Steps If your yard has a slope you’ve navigated without the benefit of steps or stairs, put a couple of “steps” on your to-do list and give yourself an upgrade that will make walking up and down that slippery slope safer for all (especially when those pesky pinecones are underfoot)! Clear a Path First If you need to carry a large box or object that blocks your view of the floor in front of you, get a helper or take a moment to ensure your route is clear. Even a pet can unintentionally cause a fall when you can’t see what’s immediately in the path of your feet. Stay Tuned-in Walk attentively with awareness of your surroundings. For example, a raised sidewalk with a difference in height of more than a quarter inch can be a jarring trip-hazard for young and old alike. Think Ahead Do friends or family have a large, enthusiastic dog? No matter how loveable, pets can occasionally be the cause of an unexpected fall. If you’ll be visiting a someone with an exuberant pet, a cheerful request regarding your initial arrival is an appreciated reminder for most dog owners. Extra Care in High Places Ensure ladders are on level and secure ground, have others nearby to assist, and avoid their use in wet or cold conditions. If you are over the age of 65, it’s best to avoid the use of ladders. Use a safety harness and wear appropriate footwear when working on a roof. Take Care of Yourself See your primary care provider to review medications and check your vision. Get regular exercise. Keeping your muscles strong will serve you well when the unexpected happens and you need to react quickly. If you find yourself feeling less sure on your feet, don’t put off getting and using mobility-assistive devices. Wear non-skid footwear, use walking sticks or a cane and install grab bars in areas where extra stability can help. All ages can benefit from a grab bar in the shower. We wish you safe and memorable adventures as you get outside and enjoy the warmer weather and the many wonders of this special time of year! Learn about our trauma and acute care services at samhealth.org/TraumaCare.
