Trauma & injury prevention
We provide expert care and education to prevent injuries and support recovery after trauma—helping individuals and communities stay safe, strong, and informed.
Safety resources from Intermountain
Safety tips for injury prevention
Explore expert safety tips for injury prevention, including fall, driving, helmet, water, and winter safety for all ages. Stay safe and prevent accidents.
Ride safe, ride smart
Riding a motorcycle offers freedom and excitement, but it also comes with higher risks than driving a car. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, riders are more exposed in the event of a crash. That’s why protective gear, defensive riding, and constant awareness are essential. Motorcycle safety isn’t about limiting the fun—it’s about making sure every ride ends safely.
Tips
- Always wear a DOT-approved helmet that fits correctly.
- Invest in protective gear such as jackets, gloves, boots, and padded pants designed for riders.
- Use reflective clothing or bike gear to increase visibility, especially at night.
- Ride defensively: assume other drivers may not see you, especially in blind spots.
- Be extra cautious at intersections, where most motorcycle accidents occur.
- Avoid riding in severe weather; rain, snow, and ice make roads extremely dangerous for motorcycles.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair judgment.
Utah Outdoor Recreation offers infromation about:
- Life jacket loaner stations
- Off-highway vehicles (OHV, ATV or UTV)
- Boating education
Walking smart, walking safe
Walking is an excellent way to stay healthy, but pedestrians are vulnerable when it comes to traffic accidents. Being alert and visible, as well as understanding pedestrian rules of the road, helps keep you safe. Children, in particular, need to be taught safe walking habits early so they can navigate streets with confidence.
Tips
- Cross streets only at designated crosswalks or intersections with traffic signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street to be sure they see you.
- Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight when walking at night.
- Avoid distractions like headphones or texting when near traffic.
- Teach children to stop at the curb, look left-right-left, and listen for cars before crossing.
- Walk on sidewalks when available; if not, walk facing traffic on the far left side of the road.
- Be especially cautious in parking lots where drivers may not be paying close attention.
Teen driving - learning road safety
Driving is a milestone for teenagers, but it also comes with serious responsibility. Teens are at higher risk for accidents due to inexperience, distractions, and sometimes risky behavior. Parents and caregivers play a key role in shaping safe driving habits early on. Open communication, clear rules, and lots of supervised practice help teens gain the confidence and judgment they need to drive responsibly. Safe driving isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about protecting lives.
Tips
- Always wear a seat belt and ensure all passengers buckle up before driving.
- Limit nighttime driving and gradually increase driving privileges as experience builds.
- Keep cell phones out of reach while driving; texting or browsing while driving is extremely dangerous.
- Avoid driving with too many passengers—more people can mean more distractions.
- Practice defensive driving: be aware of other drivers, maintain safe distances, and anticipate potential hazards.
- Respect speed limits and understand that speeding greatly increases the risk of serious crashes.
- Parents should model safe driving behaviors—teens learn best by example.
Driving smart as we age
Many older adults remain capable drivers, but it’s important to recognize and adapt to changes in vision, hearing, reflexes, and flexibility that come with age. Driving safely means being realistic about limitations while making adjustments that keep you and others safe. With proactive planning, older adults can maintain independence without unnecessary risks. And sometimes, knowing when it’s time to cut back or stop driving is the safest choice of all.
Tips
- Schedule regular eye and hearing exams to catch changes early.
- Drive familiar routes and avoid heavy traffic or complex intersections when possible.
- Stick to daylight hours for driving if nighttime vision is an issue.
- Review medications with a healthcare provider, since some can affect alertness and reaction times.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and avoid multitasking while driving.
- Consider refresher driving courses—many are designed for older adults and can boost confidence.
- If driving becomes too stressful or difficult, explore alternatives such as ride-shares, community transportation, or family support.
Stay safe through the cold season
Winter weather brings unique challenges that affect everyone—from icy sidewalks to hazardous driving conditions. Slips, falls, frostbite, and vehicle accidents are common risks during cold months. Taking simple steps to prepare can help keep you and your family safe, healthy, and warm all season long. Winter safety means being mindful of the environment, dressing appropriately, and planning ahead when traveling.
Tips
- Wear footwear with good traction when walking on icy or snowy surfaces.
- Use caution when shoveling snow—lift with your legs, take breaks, and don’t overexert yourself.
- Keep sidewalks, driveways, and steps clear of snow and ice by shoveling and applying salt or sand.
- Dress in layers, and cover exposed skin to protect against frostbite.
- Drive slower and allow extra stopping distance in winter weather.
- Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready: check tires, battery, windshield wipers, and keep emergency supplies.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, slurred speech, and confusion, and seek shelter immediately if they occur.
- Supervise children closely during sledding or outdoor play to prevent injuries from collisions or icy terrain.
Learn how to save a life
Through our Stop the Bleed class you will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and intervene effectively. The person next to a bleeding victim may be the one who’s most likely to save him or her. Take this class and become empowered to make a life or death difference when a bleeding emergency occurs.
Trauma Survivors Network
You’re not alone in this. Through our partnership with the Trauma Survivors Network, families gain access to peer support, education, and practical recovery resources.
Contact us
Have questions about our injury prevention programs, community education, safety resources, or outreach opportunities? Our Trauma and injury prevention team is here to help.
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