picture of truck picture of speedometer Traffic Safety Digest Summer 2003
 
Project Characteristics
Public/Private Collaborative Effort
Program Areas
Public Information & Education
Child Passenger Safety
Youth Programs
Type of Jurisdiction
Elementary Schools
Targeted Population
Parents and Children 4-8 yrs.
Jurisdiction Size
592 Schools
Funding
AAA No. New England: $2,000
Rotary Clubs: $600+
Safe Kids & Dunkin' Donuts: $5,000
Music (In kind): $2,000
CPS (In kind): $200
Contact
Terri Gilpatrick, CPSTI
240 Sherwood St.
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 228-4855

Digest Listing

     

MAINE
Booster Seat Music Video

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

In 2002, the State of Maine enhanced its Child Passenger Safety Law to include children 4-8 years of age and weighing less than 80 pounds. However, many parents and children still believe that child restraints are for babies or are unaware of the new law. For example, the Maine Safe Kids Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Instructor conducted a survey at the Presumpscot Elementary School (Portland, ME) and determined that there was a low level of compliance with the CPS Law.  

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The project goal was to change behavior about booster seat use by increasing the awareness of, and compliance with, the new “Booster Seat Law.” During a discussion about important health and safety messages that was held in a combined First/Second Grade class, it was decided that the Booster Seat message needed to be publicized by:

  • Presenting the message as fact;

  • Making the message fun; and

  • Getting the message out to all students in the targeted age group (Kindergarten through First Grade).

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

Teachers and parents worked together to teach students about different types of safety messages. They used demonstrations and the I’m Safe in the Car activity and coloring book from Child Safety Solutions. Children and families who were not in compliance with the new law received information about the law and booster seats. Additionally, booster seats were provided to needy, low-income families.

Parents and children also collaborated with safety groups to make a music video titled, “Boost ME Up”:

  • A parent composed a song for the video with music and lyrics that used phrases and ideas from the children.

  • The children participated in recording the song at a professional recording studio.

  • The "Yes to Youth" group participated in filming, editing, and producing the video. Yes to Youth is a local non-profit organization committed to the development of positive learning experiences in media communications for Grades 4-12.

  • A parent, who is also a child passenger safety instructor, provided the video direction and technical advice.

  • Maine Safe Kids produced the cover/brochure using video clips and contact information as part of the Boost ME Up! campaign with Dunkin’ Donuts.

RESULTS

The “Boost ME Up” music video starred First and Second Grade students from the Presumpscot School. Appearances were also made by elected state and local officials, the Crash Test Dummies, and local Fire and Police representatives. The completed video was previewed at a major press conference attended by Maine’s Governor, the Governor’s Representative on Highway Safety, and the Acting Regional Administrator, National Highway Safety Administration, Region I.

Copies of the “Boost ME Up” video, along with cover art and the complimentary brochure, will be distributed to all 592 public elementary schools and local cable and access television stations throughout Maine.

Maine Safe Kids will sell both the video and brochure to parents, caregivers, libraries, healthcare providers. Proceeds from the sales will be used to purchase booster seats for low-income families at the Presumpscot School.

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