Roadway Safety—Protecting Lives on the Road with PHI Cares and PHI Air Medical

June is National Safety Month, and this week’s focus is on preventing accidents and injuries on the road. Every year, millions of Americans set out on our nation’s highways and byways for commuting to work, transporting goods, or enjoying the outdoors. Roadway safety is a shared responsibility, and with PHI Cares and PHI Air Medical, you’re never alone in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Why Is National “Secure Your Load Day” So Important?

National Secure Your Load Day, observed on June 6, is a powerful reminder of how simple actions can save lives. Every year, accidents caused by unsecured loads—like furniture, tools, or debris falling from trucks and trailers—lead to devastating crashes, injuries, and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 730 people are killed and 17,000 more are injured each year due to objects in the road from unsecured loads.

Robin Abel, who founded the campaign after her daughter was nearly killed by an unsecured load, urges everyone to “secure your load as if everyone you love is driving in the car behind you.” Most U.S. states now recognize June 6 as Secure Your Load Day, and law enforcement agencies ramp up patrols and education efforts to keep our roads safe.

How Many Motor Vehicle Crashes Happen Each Year, and How Does Air Medical Transport Help?

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. In 2023, there were more than 6 million police-reported crashes, resulting in thousands of fatalities and even more injuries. For those involved in severe crashes—especially in rural or remote areas—ground transport to a trauma center may be too slow. That’s where air medical transport comes in.

PHI Air Medical crews, including a flight nurse and a flight paramedic, are ready 24/7 to respond to serious crashes. They provide ICU-level care in the air, stabilizing patients and rapidly transporting them to the nearest trauma center via helicopter. This rapid response can make the difference between life and death for crash victims.

What Are the Best Safety Tips for Rural Drivers, Motorcyclists, and Outdoor Workers?

Roadway safety is especially critical for those who spend time on rural roads, ride motorcycles, or work outdoors near traffic. Here are some practical tips to help keep everyone safe:

• Secure Your Load: Always double-check that your cargo is tied down and covered before hitting the road. Use ropes, straps, or netting, and never overload your vehicle or trailer.
• Stay Alert: Rural roads can be unpredictable, with wildlife, sharp turns, and limited visibility. Stay focused and avoid distractions.
• Drive for Conditions: Adjust your speed for weather, road conditions, and visibility.
• Motorcycle Safety: Always wear a helmet and protective gear, and make yourself visible to other drivers.
• Outdoor Workers: If you’re working near roadways, wear high-visibility clothing and follow all safety protocols.
• Plan for Emergencies: Know the location of the nearest hospital or trauma center, and have emergency contacts saved in your phone.
• Stay Informed: Check weather and road conditions before traveling, especially in rural or remote areas.

What Should You Do If You See an Unsecured Load on the Road?

If you notice a vehicle with an unsecured load, keep your distance and, if it’s safe to do so, report it to local law enforcement. You could be helping to prevent a tragedy. Many states have hotlines or apps for reporting unsafe driving and unsecured loads.

What Are the Consequences of Not Securing Your Load?

Penalties for unsecured loads vary by state but can range from $50 to $5,000 in fines. In cases where unsecured cargo causes injury or property damage, criminal charges may apply. More importantly, failing to secure your load can result in serious injuries or even death for you and others on the road.

Beyond the legal consequences, unsecured loads can cause chain-reaction crashes, road closures, and significant delays for emergency responders. By securing your load, you’re helping to keep everyone safe and prevent unnecessary harm.

How Does PHI Cares Make a Difference After a Roadway Accident?

PHI Cares is an air ambulance membership  program designed to fill the gaps that even the best health insurance often leaves behind. While your regular health insurance may cover some portion of an air medical flight or medical transport, it’s common for patients to be left with hefty copays, coinsurance, or deductibles after a serious accident. PHI Cares steps in to eliminate these out-of-pocket costs entirely for medically necessary transports by PHI Air Medical.

Here’s how it works after a roadway accident: If you or a member of your household is injured and requires emergency air transport, PHI Cares ensures you owe nothing beyond your air ambulance membership fee. PHI Air Medical will bill your insurance provider for the flight, but whatever your insurance pays—even if it’s just a small portion of the total cost—is accepted as payment in full. PHI Cares waives any remaining balance, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, so you never see a bill for the flight.

This unique structure means that whether you’re involved in a car crash, motorcycle accident, or any other roadway emergency that requires air medical transport or medevac, your PHI Cares membership covers everyone at your address—including family members and up to three non-family residents. There’s no need to file claims or wait for reimbursements; the process is seamless and stress-free, allowing you to focus on recovery and supporting your loved ones.

How Does PHI Air Medical Support Roadway Safety?

When roadway accidents occur, especially in rural or isolated regions, PHI Air Medical serves as a vital bridge between the accident scene and advanced hospital care. Their expert teams—comprised of specialized flight nurses and paramedics—deliver comprehensive medical attention from the moment they arrive, enabling life-saving interventions to begin immediately, even before reaching the hospital.

PHI Air Medical’s aircraft are essentially flying intensive care units, outfitted with cutting-edge technology that rivals hospital emergency departments. Patients benefit from continuous monitoring, advanced life support, and critical treatments throughout the journey, ensuring the best possible outcomes during the most urgent moments

What Can You Do to Promote Roadway Safety in Your Community?

Roadway safety is a shared responsibility, and there are many ways you can make a difference to make the streets safer:

• Educate Others: Share the importance of securing loads and safe driving practices with family, friends, and coworkers.
• Lead by Example: Always secure your own load and follow all traffic laws.
• Support Safety Initiatives: Participate in local safety campaigns and encourage your workplace or community to offer PHI Cares membership as a benefit.
• Volunteer: Join or support local emergency response teams, such as volunteer fire departments or EMS agencies.
• Advocate for Change: Support legislation and policies that promote roadway safety, such as stricter penalties for unsecured loads and increased funding for rural emergency services.

How Can Organizations and Businesses Get Involved in Road Safety?

Businesses and organizations play a key role in promoting roadway safety. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Offer PHI Cares Membership: Provide PHI Cares as a benefit to employees, volunteers, or community members. This demonstrates a commitment to safety and well-being.
• Host Safety Training: Organize workshops or seminars on safe driving, load securing, and emergency preparedness.
• Partner with Local Agencies: Collaborate with law enforcement, emergency responders, and community groups to promote roadway safety initiatives.
• Recognize Safe Practices: Celebrate employees or community members who demonstrate outstanding commitment to safety.

Real-World Stories: When Air Medical Transport Made the Difference

• Rural Crash Response: A family traveling on a remote highway was involved in a serious collision. Ground transport to the nearest trauma center would have taken over an hour, but PHI Air Medical arrived within minutes. The flight crew stabilized the injured and flew them to a specialized hospital, saving precious time and lives.
• Motorcycle Accident: A motorcyclist was struck by a vehicle on a winding country road. Thanks to rapid air medical transport, the patient received advanced care en route to the hospital and made a full recovery.
• Outdoor Worker Emergency: A construction worker was injured on a job site near a busy roadway. PHI Air Medical’s crew provided critical interventions during transport, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Roadway Safety: A Shared Responsibility

Roadway safety is everyone’s responsibility. By securing your load, driving safely, and supporting air medical services like PHI Air Medical, you’re helping to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. With PHI Cares membership, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered in an emergency—no matter where the road takes you.

Sources and additional reading:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Secure Your Load Day and Crash Data
• Washington State Patrol and Department of Ecology: Roadway Safety and Unsecured Loads
• Secure Your Load Campaign: Best Practices and Education
• State Departments of Transportation: Roadway Safety Tips and Penalties