Teen Crash Survivor Shares Tired Driving Warning at Hospital

A Bend teenager who survived a traumatic car crash is turning her recovery into a powerful message that could save lives.

Paige Wood will share her story at St. Charles Bend on May 20, speaking to fellow trauma survivors about the crash that changed everything. Last summer, the 17-year-old fell asleep behind the wheel, a split second decision that led to a devastating accident.

Now fully recovered, Wood wants other young drivers to understand what she learned the hard way. Her presentation focuses on recognizing when you're too tired to drive and what to do about it.

Her mother, Heidi Wood, admits the family never had that conversation before the crash. "As parents, we realized that in all our years of parenting, we had never talked to our kids about what to do if you're tired when you're driving," she said.

The event brings together 17 trauma survivors with the St. Charles caregivers and first responders who saved their lives. Attendees can meet therapy dogs, explore health resources, and connect over free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For medical staff, these reunions offer something rare in emergency medicine. "We often see these patients on the worst day of their life," said Jeremy Buller, trauma program coordinator. "It's incredibly meaningful to also see them healing and recovering."

Why This Inspires

St. Charles treated more than 2,700 trauma patients in 2025, nearly triple the number from a decade ago. Motor vehicle crashes rank as the second most common cause of traumatic injuries at the hospital, right after falls.

Wood's willingness to speak publicly about her accident demonstrates remarkable courage. Sharing the details of such a frightening experience takes strength, especially for a teenager still in high school.

Her mother couldn't be prouder. "She's really trying to raise awareness," Heidi Wood said, recognizing how her daughter transformed personal trauma into community service.

The event creates space for healing on both sides of the hospital bed. Survivors get to thank the people who saved them, while caregivers witness the long-term impact of their life-saving work.

One conversation about tired driving could prevent the next crash, and Paige Wood is making sure that conversation happens.