Piedmont Walton urges passengers to speak up during National Passenger Safety Week

Monroe, Ga. (January 19, 2026) - Piedmont Walton Hospital is joining traffic safety and advocacy groups nationwide to observe National Passenger Safety Week, January 19 through 26, 2026. This lifesaving initiative, led by We Save Lives and The National Road Safety Foundation, encourages passengers to take an active role in preventing crashes by speaking up when they see dangerous driving behaviors.

Reckless actions such as speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving continue to threaten lives across the nation and in Georgia. Passengers can prevent crashes and save lives by voicing concerns about unsafe driving practices.

More than 40,000 people died in crashes on U.S. roads and highways in 2023, the most recent year with complete statistics. An estimated 3,300 of those deaths involved distracted drivers, and another 289,000 people were injured. In Georgia, an estimated 1,600 people were killed in crashes during that same period.

“Passengers play a critical role in roadway safety,” said Garrett Polston, manager of trauma services at Piedmont Walton. “Speaking up can save lives. Don’t worry about being a ‘back-seat driver’—your voice could prevent a tragedy.”

National Passenger Safety Week promotes the Courage to Intervene Promise, which urges passengers to:

• Stop drivers from driving buzzed, drunk or drugged.
• Refuse to ride with impaired drivers.
• Discourage drivers from using cell phones while driving.
• Intervene to prevent unsafe driving, prioritizing safety for everyone on the road.

More information, including tips for speaking up and the downloadable Courage to Intervene Promise, is available at nationalpassengersafety.org.