PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
In 1996, traffic safety data for the State of Connecticut indicated that 50,226 people were killed or injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes. Traffic safety officials concurred that low seat belt use rates were a contributing factor in the high numbers of fatalities and injuries. The state seat belt use rate reported in May 1996 was 55.9 percent, overall (67.2 percent on highways).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Rollover Simulator project was to reduce traffic crash-related fatalities and injuries in Connecticut. Objectives of the project were to:

• Reinforce the existing Connecticut safety belt/child safety seat enforcement campaign, Buckle Up. No Excuses.
• Create a new occupant protection tool for use by law enforcement agencies
• Enhance public/private efforts in the field of traffic safety
• Increase seat belt and child safety seat use statewide

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
In 1997, Connecticut traffic safety officials developed a high-visibility safety belt/child safety seat enforcement campaign, Buckle Up. No Excuses. The goal of the campaign was to increase seat belt and child safety seat use in Connecticut to 85 percent by the year 2000. As part of the ongoing campaign, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Division of Highway Safety searched for additional methods of meeting the campaign goal and reducing crash-related fatalities and injuries throughout the state.

Investigations into other successful occupant protection projects disclosed that use of a Rollover Simulator—a graphic and convincing example of the forces thrust on the occupants of motor vehicles during crashes—had helped other occupant protection campaigns increase seat belt use. State highway safety officials discovered that all existing Rollover Simulators were designed using pickup truck bodies and frames, however, Connecticut favored a passenger vehicle Rollover Simulator to encourage the buckling of children and the proper use of child safety seats in the back seat.

The Division of Highway Safety approached a manufacturer of Rollover Simulators and persuaded the manufacturer to modify their production using a junk four-door sedan body. Two sedans were purchased—one by a partner in supporting traffic safety efforts, the Progressive Insurance Company, and one by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. In a press conference on November 24, 1998, one Rollover Simulator was donated by the insurance company to the Connecticut State Police. The second Rollover Simulator was presented by the Department of Transportation to the Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association, to be shared by all organized police departments statewide. The press conference was scheduled to coincide with the enforcement period of Connecticut's eighth wave of their Buckle Up. No Excuses. campaign.

WINTER 1999