PROGRAM FOR REDUCING PEDESTRIAN MOTOR-VEHICLE CRASHES

Injury prevention has been identified as a component of emergency medi cine. However, involvement of emergency physicians in injury preventio n has been hindered by clinical responsibilities, lack of financial su pport, and limited expertise In skills necessary for effective injury prevention programs. This article describes the development and conten t of a statewide pedestrian safety plan prepared by the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of New Mexico, The plan included a written document, community input through focus groups, and a public information campaign, The written document included a synthesis of pu blished literature, state-specific data, information on community inte rventions, and recommendations for state agencies and other groups Int erested in reducing pedestrian injuries. This project can be modeled a t other academic EDs with an interest in injury prevention and pedestr ian safety.