Real Effects of Drinking and Driving {infographic}

                                                   Source: srmitsubishi.com via Jody on Pinterest

Eyes On The Road {infographic}

                      Source: zautos.com via NCDOT on Pinterest

Are you the distracted driver?

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
Credit article Distraction.gov


 Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
Texting Using a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses.
On this page, you'll find facts and statistics that are powerfully persuasive. If you don't already think distracted driving is a safety problem, please take a moment to learn more. And, as with everything on Distraction.gov, please share these facts with others. Together, we can help save lives. Got questions? Ask!

Key Facts and Statistics

• In 2010, 3092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
• 18% of injury crashes in 2010 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
• In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009. (CTIA)
• 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
• 40% of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger. (Pew)
• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.(Monash University)
• Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. (VTTI)

• Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the 
• equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind. (VTTI)
• Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use. (VTTI)
• Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%. (Carnegie Mellon)

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

The best way to help fight distracted driving is to get educated, and this page is a great place to start. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you better understand the safety threat posed by texting and cell phone use on America's roadways.

Is distracted driving really a problem?
Distracted driving kills. The friends, family, and neighbors of the thousands of people killed each year in distracted driving crashes will tell you it is a very serious safety problem. The nearly half a million people injured each year will agree.




What is distracted driving?
Distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
If it's so dangerous, why do people do it?
Some people still don't know how dangerous distracted driving is. Others know about the risks of texting and talking while driving, but still choose to do so anyway. They make the mistake of thinking the statistics don't apply to them, that they can defy the odds. Still others simply lead busy, stressful lives and use cell phones and smartphones to stay connected with their families, friends, and workplaces. They forget or choose not to shut these devices off when they get behind the wheel.
Who are the most serious offenders?
Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 16% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20. But they are not alone. At any given moment during daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.


Sending or reading one text is pretty quick, unlike a phone conversation - wouldn't that be okay?
Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction simultaneously. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded. It's extraordinarily dangerous.
Is it safe to use a hands-free device to talk on a cell phone while driving?
So far, the research indicates that the cognitive distraction of having a hands-free phone conversation causes drivers to miss the important visual and audio cues that would ordinarily help you avoid a crash.
Why doesn't the U.S. Department of Transportation make distracted driving illegal?
Passenger car driving behavior falls under the jurisdiction of the individual states, so the U.S. DOT can't ban it. Congress has considered a number of good laws to prevent distracted driving, but unfortunately nothing has passed yet. However, many states have stepped up to pass tough laws against texting, talking on a cell phone, and other distractions. You can visit our State Laws page to learn about the laws in your state.
What else can DOT do to prevent distracted driving?
Even though we can't make texting or talking on a cell phone while driving illegal, we have been pretty busy. Please visit our DOT Action page to learn more.
What can I do to help?
We're glad you asked! You've already taken the first step by visiting this site and learning about the dangers of distracted driving. The next thing you'll want to do is protect yourself.Take the pledge to drive phone-free and turn your cell phone off when you turn your ignition on. And if you're a passenger, make sure your driver does the same. If you want to do more, please take a look at our Get Involvedsection - we've got plenty of ideas to get you started.

A Day of Silence Today~~

#Nurses and #Bloggers we need your help on December 18th

Nurses I Ask a Favor of you too!! Join the Blog World on December 18th for a day of Silence and Support for Sandy Hook and the senseless tragedy that happened that day. How can we ever understand why? My heart absolutely hurts tonight so much thinking about those dead children and the adults that died with them.
I look at my Christmas tree and weep thinking of the parents and loved ones that have been so heartbroken here right before the holidays. Having so much medical knowledge in my head does not help me deal with this any better, as an ER nurse I can envision the trauma that those poor babies endured and how they may have passed from this earth to a heavenly plan. I pray that my daddy met them with open arms at the gates of glory and led them to the foot of Jesus and told them that they were safe now.
Please read the bloggers plee below and on Tuesday December 18th, lets show Newtown CT that we care, support them and help those families get thru this tragic time.

____________________________________________________________________

To the Blog World and Anyone Else who Wants to Help,

Yesterday, tragedy struck so many of us in ways we did not foresee. An elementary school and small town in Connecticut was shattered by a mass shooting. We knew we wanted to help and we came up with this:

<img src="https://sites.google.com/site/megoblogdesign/files/sandyhooksupport.png" />

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.

Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic

and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their

highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support

groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way.

Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,

The Blog World

P.S. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.

Dearest Nurse Saldanha, a letter to you in your death

I read this on allnurses.com yesterday and just had to share it because I feel the same As a nurse the death of a fellow nurse, no matter what country she is from hurts deeply. The circumstances that led up to her suicide were so appalling to me and I can't believe that no one from the radio station where the radio hosts worked have even offered up an apology to the nurse's family. Rest in Peace sweet child and know that you are not forgotten. We mourn your death and understand how delicate life is, how it changes so fast, nurses are not immune to the pressures of daily stressors, we need to care for each other, manage our fellow coworkers up and pay closer attention to small details that might just save a life. 


STRDEL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

An undated family photograph of Jacintha Saldanha, the Indian-origin nurse who died after being hoaxed by an Australian radio show trying to reach Prince William's wife in London.

More info on news Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/12/13/inquest-british-nurse-in-suspected-suicide-left-notes-found-hanged-following-prank-call/#ixzz2F0jatdqf


Article from AllNurses.com
credit to author BostonTerrierLoverRN

Dearest British "Hoaxed" Nurse (Nurse Saldanha):

As an American Nurse I know our scope may be different, but we are both "nurses" none-the-less. There is more that is in-common, than is different. We both have strengths and weaknesses. We both aim to serve societies ills to the best of our ability, and ease pain and suffering from the lowest of the low, to the top of the elite. 

We give nonjudgmental holistic care, and even though we may fuss and whine about our job in private amongst our peers, we love our profession! And, our patients would never be able to guess our bad days because we are also professionals at masking pain, worry, anxiety, and depression as we go through our day. 

You know as well as I, there's never enough hours in that day! I'm so sorry your no longer here with us, but you will never be forgotten. Your death was not in-vain. I pledge to pay closer attention to my staff colleagues, and their issues-whether new or current, or something they've been struggling with- and still serve at the bedside, clinic, or even at the Midlevel position. 

I am so sorry such a thoughtless act of treachery took you from the world for a "laugh" at the most. I share in the millions mourning your death, and I hold no judgement for you. You, as we're programmed to do, put your self at the bottom of the issue- even as "disposable," as the problem you didn't asked for- seemed bigger than yourself. 

I'm so sorry you are gone(taken from your family and "us"), but as long as we arm ourselves with knowledge that our whole life can change in a split moment, and that there are those out there that obviously don't respect the intensity of our pressures: You did not die in vain. 

You will ever be present in our heart as a martyr for the truth of the rigors of our profession, and the Nursing Profession feels and mourns your unfair and untimely loss! 

We hear in the News you were a trustworthy, dedicated, compassionate, and knowlegable colleage to have. That's the highest praise a Nurse could hope for-You Will be Missed!

In never-ending love,
Boston, and:
Your Brothers and Sisters of the International Nursing Profession!
May You Rest in Eternal Peace!!!!!!!

Please add your Condolences or Respects if you wish in the comments

Flu Season :Common sense people!

 

It is still not to late to think about your flu shot, think about those around you!

We are seeing an increased number of patients in the ED and all over with various cold/ flu and viral type complaints. Please consider staying home if you are ill with " flu like symptoms" and are not extremely sick. The Emergency department is just that, for emergencies. The flu is not an emergency, your symptoms can be treated just fine at home unless you develop secondary infections like pneumonia or become severely dehydrated. Coming to the ED with the complaints " flu like symptoms",coughing all over other people who might be in the ED waiting room due to real emergent conditions is not cool. Please don't bring your children to the ED either just because you want them checked out to make sure they don't have the flu. If they didn't have it before you brought them, they will when you leave.

Please use some common sense people! Take care of yourself!

Treatment: what do I do?

If you have been diagnosed with the flu, you should stay home and follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter and prescription medications to ease flu symptoms and help you feel better faster.

• You can treat flu symptoms with and without medication.
• Over-the-counter medications may relieve some flu symptoms but will not make you less contagious.
• Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral medications to make your illness milder and prevent serious complications.
• Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if your flu has progressed to a bacterial infection.

• How can I treat congestion?

  Decongestants can ease discomfort from stuffy noses, sinuses, ears, and chests. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which kind is right for you.

  How can I treat coughing and sore throat?

  Cough medicine, cough drops, and throat lozenges can temporarily relieve coughing and sore throat. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which kind is right for you.

  How can I reduce fevers and discomfort?

  Fevers and aches can be treated with a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®, for example), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (Aleve®).If you have kidney disease or stomach problems, check with your health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.

  Is it safe to take flu medications with other over-the-counter or prescription medicines?

  Many over-the-counter medications contain the same active ingredients. If you take several medicines with the same active ingredient you might be taking more than the recommended dose. This can cause serious health problems. Read all labels carefully.

  If you are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which cold and flu medications are safe for you.

  When should I seek emergency medical attention?

  Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 

Aggravated ED RN ;)

 

Put down the phone~ respect the best

 

 

I am astonished by the number of patients that I have come across in the last few weeks that simply refuse to put down their precious cell phones when a medical professional enters a room to talk to them or provide care to them.

Case in point, one of my colleagues a few weeks ago enters a ED room to medicate one of my patients prior to her discharge. This particular patient was on her cell phone checking her bank account which seemed much more important to her than care. My coworker asked her to put down her phone so he could give her medications and discharge instructions, she looked at him like he was an alien with 3 heads and proceeded to continue to talk. Now what part of that makes any sense?

If you present to any ER, doctors office or medical establishment you are expecting to be taken care of by professionals. The healthcare field is a community of people who dedicate their lives (well most of us) to making sure you live long and well lives. Doctors and nurses spend countless hours in school, training and then continue to learn as an ongoing process.

Your personal life can wait a few minutes while you are in the Emergency Department so you can give your caregiver the respect and time that they are taking with you. Put your darn phone away! We understand that life is fast, we all have kids and families too! How would you feel if I as your Er nurse entered your room chatting to my spouse via my cell phone and you were having a heart attack or other life threatening event. What if I felt like my phone call was more important than you? Not cool!

So next time take a minute to remember that your healthcare professional is taking time to devote their attention to you, give them the respect they deserve and get off your phone, texting included.

 



That's my soapbox for today ;) ~~~Leslie