|
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
In
1999, Idaho motorists between the ages of 15 and 19 represented 9 percent
of the total licensed drivers statewide, yet they were involved in 29
percent of the state's motor vehicle crashes. Of a total 64 teenaged
motorists killed in traffic crashes in 1999, 11 (17.2 percent) were
driving while intoxicated. Teen drivers in Idaho also have much higher
than average violation rates for risky driving behaviors including speeding,
inattention, following too closely, disregarding stop signs and signals,
and non-use of seat belts. Idaho's Office of Highway Safety sought to
aggressively confront the issue of underage drinking, drug use and impaired
driving with an innovative program targeting this high risk group.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Ground
Zero was developed by the Idaho Transportation Department's Office
of Highway Safety in 2000, to educate youth on important highway safety
issues. The objectives of the program are to:
- Emphasize
the dangers of risk-taking behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding
and not wearing seat belts
- Decrease
the high rate of fatal and injury traffic crashes involving teenagers,
especially those that are alcohol-involved
- Increase
seat belt use among teenagers
- Educate
youth about Idaho's new Graduated Driver Licensing Law, which became
effective in January 2001
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The
Idaho Office of Highway Safety (IOHS) contracted with a local production
company to develop and present a DVD multimedia production projecting
high-energy video and still images onto three 30 foot by 10 foot screens.
The production was developed for a teenage audience, with images portraying
a wide variety of popular movies, action scenes, sporting events and
contemporary music groups. It also features interviews with famous teens
and other recognizable individuals who have been successful in their
lives, using sometimes difficult, but appropriate decision-making skills.
The IOHS envisioned
presenting a program that was "like going to a rock concert for
safe driving and making the right choices as teens, beginning at Ground
Zero and moving into adulthood."
Both before
and after the presentation, fatal and injury crash statistics involving
Idaho teenagers are presented. A seat belt survivor story brochure is
also distributed, featuring a local hero who is a retired World Cruiserweight
Champion.
|
