Trinity Health Of New England Takes Lead on Distracted Driving

Unique Partnership with AAA Engages Thousands of Employees

Trinity Health of New England is taking on distracted driving in a way that is unlike any other healthcare system in the region. 

In an effort to raise awareness around the dangerous and potentially deadly behavior, Trinity Health’s CEO has signed the AAA pledge not to drive ‘intexticated’ – and now he’s inviting his over 12,000 colleagues to do the same.

“It is critical that we recognize the consequences of this behavior and, as healthcare providers, do all we can to help reverse the disturbing trend,” says Reginald Eadie, M.D., M.B.A., CEO and President of Trinity Health Of New England. 

In addition to internal communications, Trinity Health Of New England will also be airing AAA’s dramatic Public Service Announcement on video monitors throughout the hospitals. 

Trinity Health Of New England is comprised of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut; Johnson Memorial Hospital and Home & Community Health Services in Stafford Springs, Connecticut; Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut; Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts; Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke, Massachusetts; Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital, Springfield, Massachusetts;; and Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group. 

Distracted driving kills an average of 9 people a day and injures a thousand more. 

“Trinity Health Of New England is the first healthcare system in the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts to partner with AAA in this manner and, in so doing, demonstrates unique leadership and commitment to preventative health care,” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “Just as hospitals encourage hand washing and flu shots to minimize risk, encouraging drivers to put down their phones can save lives.”

AAA launched its ‘Don’t Drive Intoxicated, Don’t Drive Intexticated’ campaign in April, effectively comparing texting and driving to drinking and driving in that both are dangerous, prevalent behaviors that lead to serious injury and death.

Since then, several state agencies have partnered with AAA to promote the campaign including the Connecticut DOT and the DMV, sharing the PSA in movie theaters across the state and a variety of other media.

“AAA applauds Trinity Health Of New England  for taking the lead in expanding our efforts to include healthcare providers”, Parmenter adds. 

AAA is encouraging everyone to ‘Take the Pledge’ not to drive distracted, to share the safety messaging at every opportunity and to talk to your loved ones about limiting all distractions when behind the wheel. 

For more information visit AAA.com/DistractedDriving.

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