PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Wyoming enjoys a relatively sparse population, distributed primarily in rural areas throughout the state. Nonetheless, in 1998, Wyoming motorists experienced 154 motor vehicle crash fatalities, 68 of which were alcohol-related. This data represents a 12 percent increase in crash fatalities over 1997. Rural roads, combined with abruptly changing weather conditions, impaired driving and non-use of safety restraints have contributed to the increasing number of traffic crash injuries and fatalities statewide.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In an effort to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes on Wyoming highways, the Public Information Office of the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) developed a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) On-line in Playable Video Format in 2000. Program objectives include the following:

• To provide members of the media and the general public with ready access to public information and educational materials

• To educate the public about the risk factors contributing to traffic crashes

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
In the spring of 2000, production staff in WYDOT's Public Information Office began producing quality, current event traffic safety videos for use as public service announcements (PSAs), and as educational tools for Wyoming motorists. The videos were created in VHS and Real Time formats, for posting to the world wide web. These videos can be accessed through the internet by visiting WYDOT's website http://wydotweb.state.wy.us, and clicking on Public Service Announcements. Internet users can then view video clips of PSAs related to safe winter driving, air bags, seat belts, speed limits, drinking and driving, and vehicle rollovers. These clips are viewed using RealPlayer, which can be downloaded for free, if users do not have the program currently installed on their computer. At present, a total of 25 video PSAs are available for viewing on WYDOT's website. Video subjects and titles include the following:

• Safe Winter Driving—Snow plows help keep you safe, but you need to do your part too

• Air Bags—Air bags can help, when used properly:

  Caution Around Children
  Caution Based On Height

• Seat Belts—Proper use can save lives:

Emotional Impact
No Excuses
Brandon
Surprising Statistics
A Different Belt
Prom
Seat Belts Save Lives
Road Less Traveled
New Law

• Speed Limits—Weather conditions are a factor when driving in Wyoming:

  Winter Conditions - 1
  Winter Conditions - 2

• Drinking and Driving:

  REDDI: Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately!
  Make It Stop!
  Olympian Comments: Featuring John Godina
  Designated Driver
  Hard Time: A Different Perspective
  Not a Game
  Garth Brooks: Don't Drink and Drive

• Vehicle Rollovers—Tips and procedures to follow after your vehicle has left the road:

  Olympian Comments: Reflections by John Godina
  What's Important: Seat Belt Use—Artie Kirkwood Discusses How a Rollover Crash Affected His Life

RESULTS
During the first two weeks of September, 2000, WYDOT's website for its Public Service Announcements On-line in Playable Video Format was accessed 85 times. Program staff anticipate that, as the site is advertised and promoted, hundreds of users will access the video PSAs each month.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

WINTER 2001