Buckling Up America: Making a Difference at the Local Level

Deaths and injuries from traffic accidents continue to be major public health problems. From 1994 to 1998, more than 208 000 traffic fatalities and more than 16.7 million nonfatal injuries occurred in the United States, with more than 2500 of these fatalities among children aged 4 to 8 years.1,2 In 1994, 27% of the drivers reported that their use of seat belts had increased over the prior 12 months, whereas this percentage dropped to 15% in 1998.3 Substantial evidence indicates that using seat belts and other restraint systems saves lives and reduces injuries.4–6 Robertson4 reported that increased seat belt use was positively correlated with a reduction in occupant fatalities per mile traveled. Wagenaar and Webster5 found a 25% reduction in the number of children 3 years or younger injured in automobile crashes after a Michigan law was implemented requiring all young children in automobiles to be restrained. Similar findings were reported in a 1997 study by Niemcryk et al.6 of children 4 years or younger in Nevada. The American Public Health Association (APHA), under a cooperative agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and in collaboration with several state affiliates, educated the general public and policymakers about crucial traffic safety issues, particularly the use of seat belts and restraints. APHA designed a portable “Buckle Up, America” traffic safety display depicting the 4 major “Buckle Up, America” emphasis themes (Figure 1 ▶). Seventeen APHA affiliates used this display from January 2000 to January 2001 as part of their respective traffic safety advocacy programs. APHA also created fax-on-demand documents and a how-to manual on its Web site to assist local affiliates in developing effective traffic safety campaigns. FIGURE 1— American Public Health Association (APHA)–National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety campaign poster. Six affiliates received funding to support local collaborative traffic safety initiatives as part of their respective annual meetings: The Alabama Public Health Association emphasized supporting the training of technicians to operate car seat “checkup” events around the state. Videotapes and other educational materials also were distributed. The Illinois Public Health Association disseminated traffic safety materials and presented a lifetime achievement award to Senator John Cullerton for his commitment to traffic safety legislation. The Missouri Public Health Association educated its statewide membership about traffic safety as a major public health issue, highlighted model community traffic safety programs, and advocated for traffic safety resolutions. The Montana Public Health Association produced a display board to be used in traffic safety programs throughout the state, created a pamphlet on traffic safety, and is developing a program to implement a graduated drivers' license program for adolescents. The Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association disseminated traffic safety information, mailed a local traffic safety resource list to individuals and organizations, and posted traffic safety resource information on their Web site. The South Carolina Public Health Association inspected 20 child safety seats and replaced 7, distributed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration traffic safety information, and provided information about law enforcement participation in increasing seat belt use and proper child passenger restraints. In summary, local collaborative efforts to publicize the importance of seat belt and restraint system use to the general public and to policymakers are essential to positively affect traffic fatalities and injuries.