Why Distracted Driving Deserves Our Attention
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. With over 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. linked to distracted driving, this is a pressing public health concern.
At Link Primary Care in St. Louis, we view health holistically—including the importance of road safety. While we help patients recover from injuries, our goal is always prevention first.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes:
- Texting or calling on a phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or navigation
- Talking to passengers
But texting while driving remains the most dangerous distraction. It takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds—enough time to drive the length of a football field at 55 mph.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to the CDC, young drivers (ages 16–24) are most likely to be involved in distracted driving accidents. However, distracted driving can affect anyone—especially in fast-paced environments like St. Louis.
Health Consequences of Distracted Driving
Beyond the legal and financial consequences, distracted driving often leads to:
- Whiplash and spinal injuries
- Head trauma
- Fractures
- PTSD or anxiety after accidents
At Link Primary Care, we treat many of these injuries. But we’d rather prevent them by encouraging safe habits and community awareness.
Patient Story: A Wake-Up Call
A 28-year-old teacher came to our clinic after a minor collision caused by checking her phone at a stoplight. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the experience was enough to change her habits.
“Dr. Bereda helped me recover physically, but more importantly, he helped me understand the long-term risks. Now I keep my phone in the glovebox when I drive.”
Tips for Safer Driving
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, take these steps to stay safe:
- Use Do Not Disturb features on your phone
- Pre-set GPS and playlists before you start driving
- Pull over to eat, text, or take calls
- Encourage teen drivers to set a good example
How Link Primary Care Supports Post-Accident Recovery
If you’ve been in a minor crash and aren’t sure what’s wrong, we offer:
- Same-day evaluations for head, neck, and musculoskeletal injuries
- Follow-up care to monitor lingering symptoms
- Mental health support if anxiety or trauma is involved
With unlimited visits and affordable pricing ($99/month), we’re here when you need us—without the ER costs.
Prevention Is Powerful
Health isn’t just about checkups—it’s about protecting your life in every way. By staying focused on the road, you can help reduce injuries, save lives, and keep our St. Louis community safer.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Davis using the following link:
https://calendly.com/jeffreydavis-linkprimarycare/link-primary-care-meeting
Get more information on our website at linkprimarycare.com
