American employers pick up a huge portion of the cost of traffic crashes in this country, directly through medical insurance premiums and worker's compensation, and indirectly through lost productivitiy and reduced employee morale.  Motor vehicle crashes, injuries and deaths are the leading cause of lost work time in the United States. 

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety suggest the following "Ideas to Try" for incorporating anti-impaired driving messages and stategies into your company's wellness and other employee programs:

1. Review and, if necessary, modify your company's hiring and retention policies and proceedures regarding on-the-job substance use and impaired driving.
2. If you serve alcohol at your office party, there are things you can do to help control the amount consumed and prevent employees from driving impaired: 

    3.   Participate in MADD's "Tie One On For Safety" red ribbon campaign.     

  Can I be held responsible if one of my guests is involved in a crash?  The laws vary state to state, but you could be held responsible for the costs associated with the crash, including medical bills and property damage and be sued for emotional pain and suffering. 

Remember: 

Drunk driving is an equal opportunity crime.  It strikes men, women, and children of all ages, races, and socio-economic levels.  Since three out of every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives, it is not unusual that someone in your business or corporate family has become a victim in an impaired-driving crash.

Working individuals spend almost half their waking hours at their place of employment. Co-worker relationships can be closer than those within the family.  Colleagues become dependent on each other, working as a team and mutual support system.  When one of the team is suddenly absent, even temporarily, those who are left behind may feel angry, disoriented, sad, and powerless.

Helping the Family

1. Consider the family's needs.  Go to the home or hospital.  Write a note
2. Think before you speak.  Avoid phrases as:  "I know how you feel", "You shouldn't feel that way", "It was God's will", "You have to be strong".  Never say, "He/she led a good full life", "At least he/she didn't ________", "You still have a lot to live for", "You are fortunate to have so many people who love you".  A good rule to follow:  Don't say it if your statement is intended to make it not as bad as it is.  Do say "I can't begin to understand how difficult this must be for you," or "I would do anything to be able to take away your pain, but I know I can't."
3. Attend the funeral.
4. Be understanding of "unusual" reactions among the family. Some people go into shock which causes frenzied activity at first, followed by a numbing effect.  The "fogginess" makes people feel confused, unable to think clearly, unable to plan, unable to comprehend what is being said to them.  Some people may appear to be in control, but their thinking may be irrational for a while and their feelings numb.  Some may exhibit extreme emotions such as crying, intense anger, anxiety or fear.
5. Understand and tolerate long-term crisis reations.  An injured or bereaved employee is not likely to perform the same quality of work upon return to the place of employment.  Grief reaction is manifested by nightmares and flashbacks, depression, inability to concentrate, confusion, lack of motivation, and sudden unexpected displays of grief.  These reactions can last for months.  An escalation or return of the symptoms should be expected before and after the first anniversary of the crash, and in many case, for several years.  It can mean a great deal for the victim and his/her family if administrators remember and acknowledge the anniversary.  Be flexible with schedules, deadlines, and time off.
6. Provide specific material assistance. Saying "Call me if there is anything I can do" is a well meaning, but meaningless offer.  Offer to come and cut the grass.  Ask to bring a meal to the house.  Offer to care for pets.  Clean the house.  Drive the children to their various activities or take them on outings.  Grocery shop.
7. Plan a meaningful memorial.  Collect donations for a charity that held a special meaning for the person killed.  Make a donation to MADD.  Start a community fund to help with unisured medical, funeral, and burial costs, or ongoing medical needs.  Erect a memorial sign at the crash site.
8. Offer to help with financial issues.
9. Support the family through the criminal trial.

Helping Your Business Family

1. If the manager or supervisor learns of the injury or death before the other co-workers, he or she should inform those closest to the victim individually.
2. With the permission of an injured crash victim, the manager should keep employees informed about the victim's condition and the status of the drunk driving criminal case.
3. Encourage employees to talk about their personal reactions to what has happened.  If management offers sympathy and understanding during this time of crisis, working relationships are strenghened.
4. Invite a professional skilled in crisis intervention to meet with employees for a debriefing opportunity.
5. Encourage employees to talk with their families about how the crash has affected them.
6. Contact MADD for literature.

For Victims/Survivors Returning to Work

For many of us, work is an important part of our life, of who we are.  In addition to income, it provides part of our identity, a purpose, and a social outlet.  Returning to work as soon as you are physically and emotionally able is one way to create a level of stability.  Many victims find the routine of work to be a haven when the other parts of their lives are so out of control.

Understand that colleagues probably want to help and be supportive, but don't know what to do or what you want.  Some may be frightened about the randomness of the crash and feel guilty because they are glad it didn't happen to them. 

• Identify what kind of suport you think you'll want when you return to work.  It is ok to tell people exactly what you need.
• Mantain work contacts while you are off work. 
• Educate your employer.  Give management information on bereavement and injury and how it does and does not affect work performance.  Have your doctor provide information about how experience might affect your work.
• Know your legal rights.
• Ask your employer to educate your colleagues about grief and anniversary reactions, or provide information regarding your injuries and possible limitations when you return. 
• Get help if you need it.
• Get help with insurance and other company benefits.

~ taken from "Monday Mourning" - a guide for the workplace when an employee becomes a crash victim-

A website of interest would be:  www.netsnational.org/tsafe