PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

In Washington State for the years of 1994 through 1998, 10 to14 year olds had the highest death and injury rate due to bicycle crashes (Washington State Department of Health). Research reveals correct fit and use of bicycle helmets plays a critical role in reducing bicycle-related head injury deaths and disabilities. Helmets provide an 85 percent reduction in the risk of head injury and 88 percent reduction in risk of brain injury for the wearer (Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center).

As a result of data such as described above, in combination with funding interest in program development, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Center for Childhood Safety developed Safety Central, a school-based injury prevention program targeted to fourth graders.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals of Safety Central were to:

• Reduce pediatric head injuries related to bicycle crashes through implementation of school-based injury prevention program including custom-fitting every participant with a bicycle helmet;

• Increase access to helmets for children; and

• Increase the use of bicycle helmets.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The staff based the program’s design on focus group feedback in conjunction with learning and behavior change theories. The program delivery methods include a 24-minute video, lesson plans including bicycle/traffic safety, a letter to parents, and student activities that focus on promoting the use of bicycle helmets. The three main safety messages that are emphasized are “Gear Up,” “Stay in Control,” and “Heads Up”. After teachers use the lesson plans, including showing a video and conducting student activities, Safety Central program staff travel to each participating school to reinforce the program’s main messages and custom-fit every 4^th grader with a free bicycle helmet. A reflective sticker reminding students to “Gear Up” is placed on the back of every helmet. Schools located in the Mary Bridge trauma region are offered the program free of charge.

RESULTS

Safety Central has been extremely productive in promoting helmet use and injury prevention for thousands of children who live in the Mary Bridge trauma region. From the program’s initiation in spring of 1997 to the end of 2000,33,652 fourth graders participated in Safety Central and received free, custom-fit bicycle helmets. Over 25 school districts in seven counties utilize the program.

• Of the students that participated in Safety Central, only seven percent reported not currently owning a helmet; while 27 percent of non-participating students said they did not have one. This inferred that either students still had the helmet they had received as part of Safety Central in the 4^th grade, or that participation in Safety Central may have made them more likely to get a new helmet when needed.

• There was a statistically significant association between wearing a helmet on the most recent ride and owning a Mary Bridge helmet. Overall, 74 percent (208) of students reported wearing a helmet on their most recent ride. Of those that reported wearing a helmet the last time they rode, 77 percent also said that their helmet had a “Gear Up” sticker on the back, indicating that the helmet was obtained as part of the Mary Bridge program.

  SPRING 2002