Members of different area emergency departments, including Jay Connelly, Director of Stroke and Trauma at Piedmont Henry, gave a demonstration to young drivers on what a trauma response to a car accident looks like.
Stockbridge, Ga. (April 2, 2025) – Located just off I-75, Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, Ga. sees a lot of patients from traffic accidents each year. One of the main elements in many of these accidents is distracted driving.
“People often believe they aren’t distracted while they drive,” said Jay Connelly, Director of Stroke and Trauma at Piedmont Henry. “However, if something requires your hands, your eyes, or attention while you’re driving, it’s a distraction.”
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Connelly and the entire staff of Piedmont Henry’s emergency department preach caution. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nine people are killed each day in the United States by distracted driving. Even cases with no fatalities can produce traumatic injuries, significant damage to vehicles, and endanger other drivers on the road. Drivers are advised to pay attention to the road, follow laws like Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, and not multitask while driving. Passengers are urged to speak up for safety and assist with the tasks that may distract the driver.
“We are fortunate to be designated a Level III Trauma Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health, so we are well-equipped to care for people involved in accidents,” said Connelly. “Many of these incidents could have been avoided by driving safely.”
A Level III trauma center has the ability to assess a patient, resuscitate, perform surgical intervention, provide intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and conduct emergency operations. Piedmont Henry’s trauma program has a surgeon available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and also has neurosurgical support.
“Even though teenage and young adult drivers are at a higher risk of distracted driving, everyone would be wise to focus on driving and getting home safely,” said Justin Keeton, Piedmont Henry’s Trauma Program Manager. “An accident can happen to anyone, and it can change your life, and the lives of those around you, in an instant.”
To learn more about Piedmont Henry and their trauma program, visit the Piedmont Henry hospital page.