Ochsner Lafayette General, Louisiana State Police offer Sudden Impact Program For Teen Drivers

Two free summer sessions reinforce safety and discourage poor decision-making behind the wheel

LAFAYETTE – In partnership with Louisiana State Police, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center will host Sudden Impact, a nationally-recognized, award-winning initiative that aims to educate young drivers about the consequences of reckless driving, on Tuesday, June 13, and Thursday, July 13. Both sessions are 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center – Owen Auditorium, 1214 Coolidge St. Sudden Impact is designed for drivers ages 15 – 18.

This program is free, though registration is required, and space is limited. Parents can register their teens by emailing Dana.Ortego@ochsner.org. Lunch will be provided free, courtesy of The RescYou Group.

Sudden Impact can be especially impactful for teens enrolled in summer driver’s education courses and developing the skills that promote responsible behavior while driving. This hospital-based program shows young drivers the consequences of driving impaired, driving distracted and not wearing seatbelts.

As the only Level II Trauma Center between Baton Rouge and Texas, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center receives approximately 3,000 trauma patients each year, about 25% of whom are in car crashes.

Teens enrolled in Sudden Impact will interact with the Ochsner trauma team, Louisiana State Police and trauma survivors. The experience reinforces the importance of being safe behind the wheel and reminds young drivers that one bad decision can change many lives.

More information about the program and registration is available at (337) 289-7482.

About Ochsner Lafayette General

Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC), Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner St. Martin Hospital, Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics UHC), Ochsner Acadia General Hospital, Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, Ochsner American Legion Hospital and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines. To learn more, visit ochsnerlg.org