I've written a great deal on various illnesses that trouble women. However, I've never touched on the issue of accidents and the health problems they can cause.

I just received this news release from GM. OnStar and the Cdc. I thought it would be of interest so I'm adding an extra blog this afternoon.

PRESS RELEASE

OnStar's real-time crash data -- vehicle speed, impact points and airbag deployment is collected through its Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system is currently used to help EMTs, trauma surgeons, and first responders evaluate auto accidents earlier and more comprehensively than ever before, and to help these professionals provide the best care for crash victims both on the scene and at trauma centers.

OnStar and the CDC will gather a panel of more than 20 emergency medical physicians, trauma surgeons, public safety, and vehicle safety experts to review this valuable OnStar data to develop guidelines for field triage decisions and medical treatment.

In 2005, Americans were involved in more than six million police-reported traffic crashes, in which more than 40,000 people were killed and more than two million people were injured Getting better information in the hands of the first responders and doctors through OnStar's AACN data will help save some of these lives.

How AACN works: Using a collection of sensors, the OnStar system sends AACN data to an OnStar Advisor if the vehicle is involved in a moderate or severe front, rear or side-impact crash, regardless of air bag deployment. AACN data includes crash severity information, along with data on the direction of impact, air bag deployment, multiple impacts and a rollover. The OnStar Advisor can relay this information to emergency dispatchers helping them to determine quickly the appropriate combination of emergency personnel, equipment and medical facilities needed.

Some stats on AACN: General Motors offers AACN on more than two million vehicles and 40 GM models -- in the U.S. and Canada. It is also available in more than one million OnStar-equipped GM vehicles on the road today. OnStar receives approximately 1,200 air bag notifications and 700 AACN calls each month.

This partnership with the CDC is further evidence of GM and OnStar's commitment to safety and developing technology that improves the lives of drivers and their passengers.

To find out more about OnStar, go to www.onstar.com. Click here to read specifically about AACN.