Motor vehicle related injuries are the leading cause of death in the United State for persons between the ages of 5-34. In 2011, 4,432 pedestrians in the United States died as a result of auto-pedestrian accidents.
Motor vehicle and auto-pedestrian collisions are, respectively, the second and eighth leading cause of traumatic injuries seen at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. Many auto-pedestrian collisions are the result of stranded motorists and passing automobiles.
Due to this volume and magnitude, an intra-professional collaboration project was established between Memorial Hermann-TMC, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science, students from the University of Texas School of Nursing, Ben Taub General Hospital, TranStar and Houston Metro.
There were 46 stranded motorist deaths between 2004 and 2014 in Harris County. Of those deaths, 74% occurred while the driver was outside of the vehicle, and 67% of those motorists became stranded due to mechanical issues. The recommendations from the project are for you and your passengers to stay inside your vehicle if you become stranded. Call Texas Roadside Assistance for help, the number can be found on the back of your Texas driver's license (1 (800) 525-5555).
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