Safe Streets Program: Preventing At-Risk Students from Motor Vehicle Related Injuries

Motor vehicle-related are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children 19 years old and younger. Every year, approximately 900 children under age 19 are killed. In addition, 51,000 children are injured as pedestrians, and 5,300 of them are hospitalized because of their injuries. The main objective of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Safe Streets Project, funded through the University of Southern California (USC) Good Neighbors Campaign Grant, is to educate students, students ages 5-17, parents, teachers and communities about pedestrian and vehicle safety. Elementary School Students (5-8 years old) and their parents will learn about CPS best practices through two different (one for each) educational presentations. Parents will have the opportunity to become a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Middle School Students (10-14 years old) will learn about pedestrian safety and the dangers of being a distracted pedestrian. A new and innovative “Distracted Pedestrian Obstacle Course” will give students a first-hand experience of the dangers of being distracted. Students will maneuver the obstacle course while being fitted with a GoPro camera. The footage will be used to supplement the presentation. The Drunk/Distracted Driving program is designed to prevent destructive driving behaviors among high school students (15-17 years old). The program will feature an educational, interactive presentation that includes Fatal Vision Goggles and “Jeopardy” game.