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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
During 1996, 45 Rhode
Island motorists died in motor vehicle crashes statewide. Of this number,
38 (84 percent) were not using seat belts. Rhode island currently has
a secondary seat belt law in effect, which prevents law enforcement
officers from stopping and ticketing motorists solely for seat belt
violations. In an effort to promote the Buckle Up America campaign
locally, the North Providence Police Department developed an Annual
Seat Belt and Car Seat Jamboree.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The 4th Annual Seat Belt
and Car Seat Jamboree was held on May 25, 1999, through the combined
efforts of the North Providence Police Department and the Geneva Crime
Prevention Storefront. The primary goal of this annual event is to increase
the awareness of children and adults of the importance of using seat
belts and child safety seats. Objectives of the Jamboree are to:
- Provide an enjoyable forum
for educating North Providence community residents about the importance
of occupant restraint use
- Train community members
in the proper use of child safety seats, and provide traffic safety
experts to answer questions on a variety of safety issues
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The North Providence Police Department scheduled
the 4th Annual Seat Belt and Car Seat Jamboree to coincide with the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) annual Buckle
Up America Week. The event was held on the grounds of North Providence
High School. A variety of local organizations provided demonstrations
and training to Jamboree participants. Activities associated with the
event included:
- An Extrication Drill, provided by the North Providence
Fire Department, which included a demonstration of the Jaws of
Life
- A demonstration of The Convincer, conducted
by the Rhode Island Police Department. The Convincer is a device
that simulates motor vehicle rollover in a crash, convincing the user
to wear seat belts
- Local organizations were on hand to speak with
community residents about seat belt safety, and answer questions
- A poster contest was held in North Providence
schools, and winning posters were displayed in the North Providence
Town Hall
- Twelve professional race car drivers brought
their racing cars for display. Participants were able to sit in the
cars, while the drivers demonstrated the proper way to use seat belts
in a vehicle, and explained the importance of safety belt use for
themselves and others
- Participants experienced driving at a blood alcohol
level of 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC), by wearing special
goggles simulating the effect, and driving golf carts on a coned course
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