February 15, 2001

Mr. Gary Direnfield
Executive Director
I Promise Program
20 Suter Crescent
Dundas, ON Canada
L9H 6R5

Dear Mr. Direnfield:

The Orthopaedic Trauma Association offers their support of the "I Promise Program". The OTA is devoted to encouraging research and disseminating knowledge about musculoskeletal injuries and the best treatment options for the potentially life-altering injuries. Automobile Safety is a major concern to the trauma surgeons and they have devoted considerable time and resources to conduct their research and education regarding the severity of musculoskeletal disabilities following road traffic crashes. Many lives are saved with airbags, but traumatic multiple injuries and severe lower extremity trauma injuries continue to be a world wide problem.

The "I Promise Program" is an excellent effort in encouraging safe driving by teens to reduce the incidence of injury and death on the highways. The signed contract between teens and their parents should create accountability for teen-age drivers. In addition the well-established, community reporting system for youth who display improper driving habits, and who have an "I Promise" decal in their vehicle's window will support that effort.

Congratulations are extended for creating an excellent opportunity for the safety of teen-age drivers.

Sincerely,