Crash survivors experiences.
The author hypothesized that survivors and families/friends of deceased victims of motor vehicle crashes experience their trauma in isolation, similar to victims of other types of violence and that non-alcohol related causes of crashes are poorly understood in our society. Outreach to survivors/family/friends of deceased victims through media and community events which focused on preventing crashes while remembering victims of prior crashes are described. Findings that post traumatic stress disorder symptoms are reported by all survivors/family/friends and experienced vicariously by emergency personnel and others indicate that this issue requires more attention by media and health care providers. Occupational therapists' expertise is critical in the process of the healing span and prevention of motor vehicle crashes through the media and memorial/educational community events.
Institute for the Prevention and Healing of Trauma and Loss Hamilton, Wenham, Beverly, MA, USA.
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Community events; Driving; Prevention