United Spinal Association: Corzine Accident Highlights Need for Vigilance on Highway Safety
Jackson Heights, NY––In the wake of New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine’s recent automobile accident, United Spinal Association is urging all Americans to review and observe the basic guidelines for highway safety, particularly as the summer traveling season approaches.
As part of its nationwide Motorsafe campaign to promote safe motoring and raise awareness about spinal cord injury, United Spinal reminds the public that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every 13 minutes there is a death caused by a motor vehicle accident and 44% of all individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury were injured in vehicle accidents. Further, there are approximately three million car-related injuries per year, two million permanent injuries, and 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually.
“While we are all praying for Gov. Corzine’s speedy recovery, it is prudent to recall the crucial importance of always wearing a safety belt and observing the speed limits,” said United Spinal President and CEO Paul J. Tobin. “Studies have shown that even at slow speeds (i.e., 5 mph), motor vehicle accidents can cause neck injuries, which can easily lead to paralysis or death. We all need to be vigilant about our driving skills and alert to observing the safety basics.”
United Spinal’s Motorsafe program stresses the following precautions:
United Spinal’s Motorsafe program is a nationwide public awareness campaign promoting safe motoring. The program targets all people who operate automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. United Spinal’s goal is to share information and knowledge of specific hazards involved in operating these types of equipment and to highlight good practices that will prevent serious injury or even death. For more information, or to download a free Motorsafe brochure and safety tips card, please visit www.unitedspinal.org and click, Motorsafe.
United Spinal is a national advocacy and disability rights organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Membership is free and open to all individuals with disabilities of the spinal cord. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-404-2898.