Intermountain Health trauma experts promote summer safety

LEHI — The Jackson family's lives were changed forever when in 2021, they were involved in a collision in which another vehicle went to pass a semitrailer, didn't see their vehicle and hit them head-on at freeway speeds.

The crash was fatal to the woman driving the other vehicle.

While the Jackson family survived the collision, it did not come without cost.

Seantae Jackson, her husband Trevor Jackson, their 14-year-old twins and a friend in the car walked away with severe injuries. One of the twins suffered extreme injuries that included "a seizure, broken back, severed optical nerve and traumatic brain injury for which he spent nine days in a medically induced coma," according to Intermountain Health.

Miraculously, the family healed from their injuries and one of the twins is now planning on serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After their trauma, the Jacksons founded the Sandal Blue Foundation to help families who survive car crashes with healing and connection.

"Things like accidents affect everybody. It's one of the leading causes of death in children. … I don't want anybody to ever go through this. If me experiencing a little bit of heartbreak is going to help somebody, it's worth it every time," Sentae Jackson said Friday.

Since that day, the Jacksons have been advocating for vehicle safety for everyone. Seantae and the trauma experts at Intermountain Health came together Friday to discuss safety across Utah.

Safety is important at all times, but especially in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The weeks kick off the infamous "100 deadliest days of summer" on the roads throughout Utah. As families and individuals become more active, trauma centers throughout the state see the number of car-crash victims nearly double every summer.

"So many of the patients we see have preventable injuries. … Stay present and be safe," said Kacey Barnes, trauma program manager at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.

One of the most important safety precautions is vehicle safety. With a car crash happening on Utah roads every 10 minutes, Barnes said wearing seat belts and avoiding distractions can make a huge difference.

Intermountain is urging drivers to be "well-rested, avoid distraction, divide driving duties and watch for motorcycles."

In addition to being in a car, Intermountain also encourages individuals to have the proper gear for whatever activity they are engaging in. Helmets, riding gear and basic first aid are a must for anyone engaging in motor sports. Precautions should also be taken when riding a bicycle. Children should have properly fitting helmets and wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to ensure visibility.

"Trauma happens to everyone at some point. It's no respecter of persons. … You never know what could happen and what other elements can be at play. An ounce of precaution is worth so much and can save a life," said McKenna Clawson, trauma and general injury nurse practitioner.

Intermountain and the staff members encourage youth, as well as adults, to become involved and take an active role in their safety.

"Kids can do a lot for their own prevention," said Intermountain Community Health Team member Michelle Jamison. "Parents setting an example for kiddos is big. Setting that example and following suit is so important. "

Other safety tips include being prepared with a competent group, staying hydrated and cool, preventing child window falls when windows are open more than four inches and being cautious on the water, including wearing a life jacket and being aware of who is in the water at all times.

"Everybody thinks it's not a big deal until it's their big deal. … It's always worth it," Seantae Jackson said. "If you want to continue to live your life, do the things that will help you to do so."

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