Each December, as families gather for the holidays and road travel increases, trauma and surgical critical care specialists see a troubling trend that is both predictable and preventable. National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month serves as an important reminder that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of life-threatening injuries treated in trauma centers nationwide—including right here in Rhode Island.
A Preventable Tragedy We See Too Often
From the trauma bay to the intensive care unit, the Trauma and Surgical Critical Care team at Brown Surgical Associates witnesses firsthand the devastating impact that alcohol- and drug-impaired driving has on individuals and families. These aren’t just numbers on a chart—these are patients with stories, loved ones, and futures interrupted in an instant.
Impaired driving crashes often result in:
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Severe blunt-force injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, chest and abdominal trauma
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Multiple fractures requiring complex orthopedic and reconstructive surgery
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Long ICU stays, often involving ventilators, invasive monitoring, and prolonged sedation
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Permanent disability, even with rapid and expert surgical care
Even more heartbreaking is that these injuries are entirely preventable.
The Hidden Realities Behind the Trauma Bay Doors
Our trauma and critical care surgeons train to manage the most complex injuries—but no amount of skill can undo the damage caused in those first few seconds of an impaired driving crash.
Behind every emergency page and CT scan is the ripple effect of trauma:
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Families waiting in uncertainty as a loved one undergoes emergency surgery
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Life-changing decisions, sometimes made within minutes
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Emotional trauma, which can last far longer than physical injuries
Our teams work tirelessly to save lives, but prevention remains the most powerful tool.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving: A Dangerous Combination
Impairment can take many forms:
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Alcohol, the most common contributor
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Marijuana and other recreational drugs, which affect reaction time and judgment
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Prescription medications, including sedatives and pain medications
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Polysubstance use, which significantly increases crash severity
The holidays often compound these risks with parties, stress, fatigue, and winter weather.
How You Can Help Prevent Impaired Driving Injuries
Prevention doesn’t require medical training—just mindful decisions:
✔ Plan ahead
Designate a sober driver, schedule a rideshare, or create a transportation plan before events.
✔ Know your limits
Even “just a couple of drinks” can impair reaction time more than many people realize.
✔ Look out for one another
If you see someone attempting to drive impaired, intervene. A tough conversation is far better than a trauma activation.
✔ Be cautious about medications
Follow prescribing instructions carefully and avoid driving if a medication causes drowsiness or slows coordination.
✔ Talk to your family
Young drivers, especially, benefit from open conversation about risks and expectations.
A Message From Our Trauma and Critical Care Specialists
At Brown Surgical Associates, our trauma and surgical critical care teams are committed to caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments. But we are equally committed to preventing these injuries before they happen.
The choices made in a single moment can mean the difference between a safe trip home and a life-changing event. This December—and all year long—we urge our community to make safety a priority.
If You Need Help, We’re Here
Brown Surgical Associates provides expert trauma and critical care across Rhode Island and southeastern New England. While we hope you never need us because of an impaired driving crash, know that our team is ready 24/7 with the highest level of surgical expertise and compassionate care.
