Revised June 2015, September 2008
Reaffirmed October 2001
Revised June 1997
Originally approved April 1985
As an adjunct to this policy statement, ACEP developed a policy resource and education paper (PREP) titled "Motor VEhicle Safety: An Update for Emergency Medicine Practitioners"
Traumatic injury from motor vehicle crashes is one of the most frequent causes of injury to patients treated by emergency physicians. A multifaceted approach involving collaborative efforts between public and private organizations is essential to improve motor vehicle safety and thereby reduce society's burden of disability, death, and costs related to motor vehicle trauma.
Emergency physicians must be knowledgeable about motor vehicle crash data, injury mechanisms, and the management of time-critical injuries. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) encourages its members to take the lead in motor vehicle safety activities at the local, state, and national levels.
ACEP encourages relevant patients be screened for misuse of alcohol and other substances and provided with referral and treatment when indicated.
In addition, public education, laws and enforcement, and engineering enhancements have all been shown to play an important part in reducing motor vehicle trauma. The following legislative and law enforcement interventions should be fully implemented.
1 American College of Emergency Physicians. Addressing the public safety dangers associated with impaired or distracted driving [policy statement]. Approved October 2011.