Trauma Prevention - Stay Focused. Stay Safe.

In recognition of National Trauma Awareness Month, the American Trauma Society, the Trauma Prevention Coalition, and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center’s (PVHMC) Trauma Center want to empower our community to “Stay Focused. Stay Safe.”

While modern medicine can save lives after an injury, the most effective trauma care is prevention. Staying present and alert while working, playing or whatever your activity, can dramatically reduce preventable injuries or death.

The Danger of a “Quick Look”

Would you drive 55 mph across a football field with your eyes closed? That is how far you would travel if you were looking at your phone for just FIVE seconds. Distraction is more than a bad habit. A study from the Governors Highway Safety Association in 2025 found that drivers with high levels of cell phone distraction were 240% more likely to crash. And in 2024, distracted driving led to 3,208 deaths and more than 315,000 injuries.

Two Wheels, Two Feet and Beyond

Safety isn’t just a driver’s responsibility. Whether you are on two wheels or two feet, staying focused is one of the best ways to avoid injury.

Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed, and 71,000 more were injured in the U.S.

The rapid rise of e-bikes and e-scooters has brought a new wave of trauma. According to the American College of Surgeons, e-scooter injuries rose from fewer than 30,000 in 2020 to more than 118,000 in 2024, with 55% requiring major surgery.

Trauma surgeons report that riders using headphones or phones often miss critical hazards and oncoming traffic, contributing to higher-speed collisions that cause severe brain and spinal cord injuries.

PVHMC Trauma Center Statistics

Distraction has a real impact on people in our community. In 2025, our Trauma Center admitted nearly 3,000 patients. Many of these incidents could have been prevented by eliminating distractions.

• Motor vehicle collisions account for 29% of all traumas.
• Motorcycle collisions make up 11%.
• Pedestrian incidents, including bikes, skateboards, and non-motorized transportation, represent 11%.
• E-bikes and scooters accidents led to 90 trauma admissions.

Tips to Stay Focused and Stay Safe

Phone Out of Reach: Place your phone in the glove box or back seat.

Use “Do Not Disturb”: Turn on driving or focus modes or silence alerts.

Heads Up, Buds Out, & Phone Down: If you are walking, biking, or riding a scooter.

Wear A Helmet: Always use a helmet when biking or riding a bicycle, motorcycle, or e-device. Helmets remain the single most effective way to prevent traumatic brain injuries. Not all helmets are created equally. For e-transportation, look for a helmet with the NTA-9776 certification.

This May, let’s commit to being present – because one moment of focus can save a life.

For more on injury prevention, visit American Trauma Society or NHTSA Distracted Driving.