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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
In an effort to reduce
traffic crash-related injuries and fatalities, safety advocates are
promoting outreach within non-traditional venues. There is a growing
trend in non-traditional alliances exemplified by partnerships between
the Buckle Up America campaign and members of the faith community.
Because churches play such a vital role in many communities, worship
services are an ideal setting in which to foster responsible safety
practices.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The partnership-building
movement with the faith community has been embraced by many National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Regional Offices as a
creative means of fulfilling the goals of the Buckle Up America
campaign. Objectives of this unique effort include the following:
- Establishing partnerships
with churches and other religious affiliates
- Providing traffic safety
materials and education in support of the faith community's activities
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
NHTSA Regional
Offices 4, 6, 8 and 10 have been particularly active in building partnerships
with the faith community. The following examples of activities illustrate
the Regions' commitment to promoting the goals and objectives of the
Buckle Up America program:
- REGION
4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North and South
Carolina and Tennessee): The Region 4 staff interacts with the local
Northeastern Baptist Association, a confraternity of 28 churches.
This charter partner has agreed to incorporate the Buckle Up America
initiative into its Youth for Christ Meetings, its Youth Director's
workshops, and its Women's Retreats
- REGION 6
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas): Buckle Up
America initiatives undertaken in Region 6 include a partnership
between the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes (FCA). At a recent event hosted by the FCA, the Buckle
Up America logo and message were featured on the evening's program
flyer. While participating in another FCA event in Oklahoma, pro football
coach Mike Ditka recorded a series of radio and television public
service announcements, which were widely aired throughout the state.
Other efforts by the FCA included distribution of Buckle Up America
materials at sporting events and use of the logo on the covers of
programs for entertainment events
- REGION 8
(Colorado, Montana, North and South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming): The
Region 8 staff formed a coalition with the presiding bishop of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormon Church to
promote the Buckle Up America message among church members.
During 1997, more than 900 Mormons were killed on highways throughout
the United States. In Utah, 186 members of the Mormon Church were
killed in traffic crashes. Because Utah currently does not have a
primary seat belt law, church leaders recognized an opportunity to
promote voluntary use of seat belts and child safety seats. A strong
precedent for this activity was established several years previously
when NHTSA and church leaders formed a partnership resulting in a
church mandate that missionaries worldwide wear bicycle helmets. The
Region 8 Office also shipped safety materials to 50 religious leaders
throughout the region. These flyers, bulletin inserts and clip art
were used by religious organizations during holiday seasons to promote
the use of seat belts and child safety seats
- REGION 10
(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington): The Region 10 staff conducts
monthly meetings with Seattle area churches. Through these monthly
meetings, churches hear the Buckle Up America message, and
receive materials to share with parishioners. Region 10 also provides
seat belt information to the Seattle Chapter of the American Association
of Retired Persons (AARP), which meets in local churches
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