Town Safety

4/21/03

Safe Community Learning Laboratories

In FY 02, the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) selected two safe communities to participate in a model learning laboratory project. The intention of the learning laboratory is to significantly alter the relationship between OHSP and the typical safe community program. The criteria for the project selection was established based on a high risk for traffic fatalities and serious injuries, a well developed and active coalition with community support and readiness to change, and some presence of employers in the area. The Alliance for Safe Communities in Allegan County and the Safe Community Coalition of the St. Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body was selected.

In FY 03, OHSP provided funding for a part-time coordinator and injury prevention programs for each of the learning laboratories. In addition, funds were provided to the William Donohue Group to oversee these two projects and provide technical assistance and training to the learning laboratories.

The goals of the learning laboratories are to:

  • Construct a foundation for integrating other traffic safety programs such as engineering and police traffic services
  • Build self-sustaining coalitions
  • Test various asset building strategies
  • Decrease crashes/injuries and save lives
  • Promote Click it or Ticket activities
  • Invite surrounding safe communities to meetings/events to learn best practices
  • Integrate the business community – Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and train a leader at local businesses to promote traffic safety

Both of the learning laboratories are at different stages in constructing the model. Progress in accomplishing the goals has been achieved. Action plans have been developed that includes a training plan based on feedback from the coalition members. Communication plans outlining various marketing strategies for working with the media have been developed. Law enforcement campaigns are coordinated through the coalitions. The Assessing Community Traffic Safety (ACTS) will be conducted a second time to re-examine the asset and deficit scores. The results will also lay the groundwork for future injury prevention programs. Also, both coalitions are tailoring the video developed in Oakland County "Wake me up from this Nightmare" to address the underage drinking issues. Marketing plans for the video have been established. A grant writing training will be conducted to assist the coalitions in applying for future funding and tips on writing successful grant proposals. Surrounding safe community coalitions have been invited to attend the learning laboratory meetings and events. The learning laboratories will be equipped with the tools necessary to sustain program activities and recruiting and retaining coalition members.

 

 

 

Allegan Learning Laboratory Results

Coalition membership has increased by approximately 10 members that include youth and a representative from the Council of Ministries. Three training sessions have been conducted for the coalition members and three more will be conducted by

September 30, 2003. A brochure outlining the coalition activities, meeting dates, and crash data will be developed. A website has been created. It is anticipated the brochure and web site will assist in coalition recruitment and retention. Plans are developed to work closely with the schools and parent networks to address the 15-17 year old crash rate. Individual site visits to approximately 6-8 employers will be scheduled to promote traffic safety in the workplace. A survey at a local business showed an increase in safety belt use from 60 percent to 70 percent during the November mobilization. The Allegan County fair in September will be used as a forum for the Safe Community Safety Fair. This annual week-long event attracts thousands of citizens and visitors.

St. Clair Learning Laboratory Results

Working teams have been established through the broad-based coalition. They include: Safe Community Workgroup and the NETS subcommittee, Enforcement, Engineering, and Public Relations and Education.

Training was provided to the NETS team outlining the steps to work with local employers. Eight employers have signed up for the NETS program. Team members have scheduled individual site visits. A NETS business book was developed for the team members to use when meeting a prospective NETS business partner. The Enforcement team continues to promote Click it or Ticket and coordinate mobilization campaigns. According to law enforcement officers, the seat belt use rate for the county is 88%. In FY 2000, the ACTS results showed a deficit score of 100 for non safety belt use in the county. The Engineering team has partnered with Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), AAA Michigan and other local representatives to identify high crash locations. Data will be analyzed and recommendations for engineering improvements will be created. The Public Relations and Education team coordinates the public information materials and injury prevention programs including car seat inspections. The coalition will use an existing county website to promote activities and newsworthy events.

These model programs should function as learning laboratories where members of other safe community coalitions from that region could come to develop their knowledge and skills about implementing successful programs. It is intended the learning laboratories would become integrated into the social and economic fabric of the community, and sustained through a combination of local and state support.