A trauma bill that passed in the state senate is now headed to the house. If they approve it, Georgians would be able to vote in November on a bill that would raise $74 Million for trauma centers in the state.

Lawmakers are targeting drivers to help easy some of those costs.

"I have yet to meet anyone who intended on getting in a wreck," said Dr. Michael Hawkins, MCGHealth Chief of Trauma.

But according to Dr. Hawkins, 85 percent of the patients he sees are from car accidents. Doctors say most of the patients who come through can't pay up, once they've been treated.

"The costs are very high. Insurance benefits run out very quickly. Then if you're talking about the need for rehabilitation, that's expensive. So the costs to them and the state and for all of us who pick up the costs is very high," said Dr. Hawkins.

MCGHealth has the only level one Trauma center in our area. It serves 13 counties in Georgia and four in South Carolina. Dr. Hawkins says, it's a job that requires a full time commitment.

"We have to be ready 24-7. People get in car wrecks at midnight or they get injured on the weekends or holidays where we have to be available on very short notice," said Dr. Hawkins.

It's the 24 hour service, provided seven days a week that makes these centers so expensive.

Doctors say MCGHealth lost $8 Million in hospital expenses and more than $3 Million in physician costs last year.

They're hoping a new bill could reduce that cost. If the plan is passed drivers would pay a $10 annual car registration fee.. providing $74 Million a year for trauma care in Georgia. It's money that would help these centers stay open so they can continue to save lives.

A legislative study committee found that the death rate in Georgia from traumatic injury is 20 times the national average.