Goals

• To decrease improper usage of child restraint systems
• To increase the number of child restraint systems and safety helmets provided to families
• To evaluate the success of the program.

Strategies

With a car safety seat misuse rate of 95 percent, the Mayor’s Council for a Safe Community decided that education and training of car seat use was necessary. In order to succeed in the goal of increasing properly used restraints, coalition members needed funding for necessary equipment, technician training, advertising, educational tools/materials, and incentive items. Car seat check-ups were being held, but there was a shortage of trained technicians. The project volunteers needed to purchase 100 child restraint systems and 100 bicycle helmets that could be provided to families in need.

The Mayor’s Council for a Safe Community obtained funding through grant applications, private funding, and corporate donations to promote the program. Present equipment was utilized to provide information and demonstrations at local health fairs and car seat check-up locations. Project KISS (Kids in Safety Seats) was utilized, which is designed to influence new parents when they are most receptive, prior to or just after the birth of their child. Education on child passenger safety and overall traffic safety was provided to area families, adults and youth alike, at area health fairs and safety events, during school and community presentations, and at monthly car seat check-ups. Four volunteers were trained and certified in car seat inspection and one certified car seat technician was trained at National Lifesavers Conference 2006 in Austin, TX. Public awareness was promoted through intensive media efforts, including radio, print, and television.

A database of families who have been served through the program has been maintained. The North Dakota safety belt observation survey is utilized to check for compliance. The success of the project is determined by the number of families served, education provided (including number of presentations, events and media coverage) and the number of child restraints and safety gear provided to families in need. Many local projects are promoted through Click It For Kids.

Results

• The community supports the program wholeheartedly.
• Car dealerships in the city are very willing to host the monthly car seat check-ups.
• In 2005, 417 child restraint systems were checked, up from 157 in 2004.
• In 2005, 457 child restraint systems were provided to families in need, up from 49 in 2004.
• A $25 donation is suggested for each car seat given out, but no one is turned away for inability to pay.
• Mayor’s Council for a Safe Community has seen increased credibility and professionalism within the community.
• The coalition has seen a 5% decrease in child restraint system misuse.