SURPRISE, Ariz. (April 18, 2025) —Banner Health nurses and trauma outreach coordinators recently visited Paradise Honors High School in Surprise to educate students about the dangers of distracted driving.
Coordinators Tracey Fejt and Heather Santiago joined the nurses in raising awareness among young drivers about the importance of staying focused behind the wheel — a critical reminder during prom season.
“Teen drivers are at a higher risk for distracted driving, especially during times of celebration like prom,” Fejt said. “Our goal is to give them a realistic understanding of how even one moment of distraction can change their life forever.”
According to the AZ Department of Transportation, distracted driving remains a leading cause of fatalities among young drivers in the United States. In 2022, 2,514 people were killed in vehicle accidents involving drivers between ages of 15-18 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In response, Banner Health launched an interactive class to equip high school students with tools and knowledge to make safer decisions on the road.
The class offered practical tips to reduce distractions and emphasized best practices for staying alert while driving. Students also engaged in hands-on simulations, including goggles that mimicked the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. Another activity simulated the dangers of texting while driving, allowing students to experience firsthand how impaired their reactions become when multitasking behind the wheel.
The initiative is part of Banner Health’s broader effort to promote community health and safety through education, especially for young and inexperienced drivers.
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
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