PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

The Fairbanks North Star Borough is located in the heart of Interior Alaska, and is the second-largest population center in the state. Based in Fairbanks, it encompasses 11 different communities including Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Moose Creek, North Pole, and Two Rivers. For young and inexperienced drivers, winter driving conditions can be treacherous in the Borough. From October through March, snowy and severe weather with temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit present a challenge to all drivers. In the summer months, daylight can exceed 20 hours a day because of the area's proximity to the Arctic Circle, making drowsy driving a problem.

Since 1998, the number of injuries and fatalities involving teenage drivers in the North Star Borough has steadily increased. Alcohol-related fatalities in Alaska continue to be a problem, where 53 percent of motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol. The North Star Trauma Prevention and Safety Center (NSTPSC) was formed in 2000. The Center’s first priority was motor vehicle safety issues with a special focus on teen drivers. The NSTPSC organized a “Teen Rally” in an effort to provide young drivers with opportunities to test their skills, focus on the skills they lack, and provide general motor vehicle information.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of the Teen Rally was to:

• increase the driving skills of permit and licensed drivers, while stressing the importance of injury prevention;

• provide an opportunity for hands-on learning;

• reinforce the importance of wearing seat belts and the dangers of impaired driving; and

• form a public-private partnership to support traffic safety initiatives in the community.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The Teen Rally was held on a Saturday, within one month of the end of the academic year. The NSTPSC worked with local companies and public entities (such as the police and fire departments) to sponsor “stations” at the rally, with each station focusing on a different element of traffic safety.

Participants were divided into five teams and systematically visited each of the stations:

• Impaired driving activity – Students wore fatal vision goggles and were required to maneuver a shopping cart through an obstacle course. They had to pick up cones and carry them back to the start line. Students also took a quiz on alcohol-issues.

• Seat belt check – Students received three infant- or toddler-sized dolls and had to select the size-appropriate child safety seat for each doll. Then, they had to install three safety seats in the safest location in a vehicle. Students were also asked to get in the vehicle and buckle up. The seats were tilted back, requiring students to return the seats to an upright position, underscoring the importance of proper seat position when using a seat belt.

• Basic motor vehicle maintenance – Participants were taught about safety, lights, and fluid checks; changing a flat tire; and driving skills such as turns, speed, braking, backing, and reversing on an obstacle course.

• Mock crash – participants viewed a mock crash that included emergency medical response and the extrication of victims.

Points at each station were awarded based on student’s knowledge or performance. Prizes, donated by local businesses, were awarded for first, second, and third place for each station and an all-around winner was selected.

RESULTS

Approximately 35 teen drivers competed in this inaugural event, and most indicated that they would return the following year if given the opportunity. Participants discovered how alcohol and other illegal substances impair vision and the decision making process. Drivers commented that the course “enlightened” them to the dangers of impaired driving. In addition, all of the participants agreed on the benefits of the tire changing station since they did not know the first thing about changing a tire. Plans are underway for Teen Rally 2002 and a seat belt simulator, skid car, a virtual computer driving game and video presentations have already been secured. The NSTPSC has set a goal to expand the event to reach more teens in its community.

   WINTER 2002