GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary goals of the Think First FAST project were to:

• Develop the FAST workbook to address family traffic safety education in an environmentally and culturally sensitive manner. The target audience of the workbook is children in Kindergarten through the Fifth Grade and their parents. The objectives of the workbook include:

  • Age appropriate traffic safety rules for drivers, pedestrians, bicycles, and other non-motorized forms of transportation;

  • Classroom activities for youth and their parents;

  • Interactive, on-the-road lessons; and

  • Activities that deal with parent/child interactions in order to build a relationship around traffic safety issues.

• Develop an evaluation tool to assess the impact of the FAST project and workbook material on the participants’ knowledge and behavior regarding traffic safety.

• Conduct a pilot test of the workbook in one Oregon community.

• Market and promote the availability of the workbook throughout Oregon.

• Increase the knowledge of, and behavior surrounding, traffic safety issues for 25 percent of participants who use the FAST workbook.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The Program Coordinator of FAST assembled a focus group of traffic safety and education professionals to help develop the workbook. Three different workbooks were produced; (1) targeting youth in Kindergarten through First Grade, (2) targeting Second and Third Graders, and (3) targeting Fourth and Fifth Graders. Each workbook has three lessons about pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and occupant protection. An evaluation tool was also developed, with pre- and post-tests for each of the three age groups and their parents.

A successful pilot session took place at an elementary school with a total of 50 participants (15 adults, 35 children). All the children who participated received a FAST workbook to use with their parents/guardians throughout the session. Families were divided into three groups rotating between pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and occupant protection. Three translators also attended the session making it possible for Spanish-speaking families to participate. All participants received bicycle helmets and, when needed, booster seats were provided by the program at no cost. Booster seats will continue to be provided at no cost as long as adequate funding exists. In addition, contacts at state or county agencies will be provided for families who need reduced-cost or free seats.

RESULTS