While the Huntsville, Alabama, community had been addressing traffic safety issues for years, there was still a serious problem in the number of deaths and injuries resulting from crashes, often because of non-use of seat belts. Public information and education efforts have been successful throughout the nation in shaping public attitudes which ultimately have an effect on driving behaviors. The community leaders and the Huntsville Community Traffic Safety Program saw a need for a program designed especially for children aged 5-9.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

"Buckle Up Huntsville" was part of a comprehensive program to teach the community's children to be more effective drivers and pedestrians when they become adults. The goals were to:

• Increase the participation of area citizens and community leaders in solving local traffic safety problems
• Coordinate public information and education/awareness programs in school age children through a system of networking among the private and public sectors in the Huntsville area
• Teach children the rudiments of driver education and traffic safety.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

It was found that children in the community enjoy a challenge and set the example for adults about the importance of wearing seat belts. In 1995, a program dubbed "Buckle Up Huntsville" was developed. Twelve thousand elementary school students responded enthusiastically, as did families, school staff, local businesses and police. Children fashioned banners and distributed them throughout the city. They organized and helped with buckle-up school parades. They also wrote letters to the mayor and civic leaders. The children wrote invitations to a buckle up breakfast with their parents. Buckle up pledges were distributed to grades 1-5. Donations poured in from area companies, industries and other community-minded organizations. Businesses distributed flyers to customers. Television stations aired PSAs.

RESULTS

"Buckle Up Huntsville"was a powerful educational experience for the children. Not only did they learn that they can influence parents, teachers and friends, but they have a much greater understanding of public health issues.

Surveys revealed that seat belt use in schools increased significantly. In one school in just a few weeks, seat belt use rose from 61 percent before the program to 78 percent after the program began. Children are constantly reminding unbelted occupants to buckle up.