Dissemination of an evidence-based pedestrian safety education program

Background/Purpose: Pedestrian safety education in the school setting has been shown to be effective in mitigating the risk of child pedestrian-hit-by-car incidents, a leading source of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Yet most U.S. schools do not utilize evidence-based pedestrian safety curricula. To address this issue in Miami-Dade County (MDC), the fourth-largest school district in the U.S. and a high-risk area for pedestrian injury, the evidence-based WalkSafe™ curriculum was disseminated countywide. Methods: An action plan for curriculum dissemination was developed combining top-down and bottom-up approaches. School district policy support, training and technical assistance for school representatives, and individualized follow-up comprised the core constructs of the dissemination plan. Evaluation and monitoring was conducted via an annual survey completed by school representatives to assess schools' level of participation, number of participants, and adherence to the curriculum. Results/Outcomes: This dissemination plan was first employed in 2007, during which 110 schools (54% of MDC elementary schools) taught the WalkSafe™ curriculum. Participation increased by 30% to 143 schools in 2008, and 52% to 218 schools in 2009. This reach was sustained through 2010, with 100% of elementary schools in MDC participating for a second consecutive year. Conclusions: As allocation of funding for programs targeting obesity and physical activity increases, the number of children walking to school is simultaneously augmented creating a greater need for pedestrian safety education. This study demonstrates evidence-based educational programs like WalkSafe can be effectively disseminated in school settings using a comprehensive plan incorporating district-level mandates, accessible training, and technical assistance.