ABC
Key Benefits
Optimist International introduced a program in 1995 called ABC, Always Buckle Children in the backseat. The Haysville Optimist Club has been deeply involved with the program since the State District Program Director is a member of our club. The Haysville Club has led the District every year in involvement with the ABC program. Last year we decided we needed to go one step further with the program. In 1999 we held our first Child Car Seat Safety Check. With the cooperation of the Safe Kids Coalition, Greater Wichita Chapter, and many local merchants and organizations we had predicted 15-20 car seats to check. When we were finished we had checked 75 car seats. 74 of the 75 were not installed properly. The one that was installed properly was on recall and had to be replaced. Local merchants and organizations provided 15 car seats to use to replace damaged or recalled car seats. While Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle or Aunt are checking the car seats, an Haysville Optimist Club member keeps the children busy with a "Star Walk," cookies, coloring books, and cotton candy.
Here are some facts to keep in mind: About 40% of kids still ride unrestrained, and of those children, who are buckled up, four out of five are not restrained correctly. Using car seats and safety belts properly installed can prevent most of the deaths and injuries. Nearly 1,400 children die each year as motor vehicle passengers, and more than 305,000 are injured. Car seats are extremely effective when properly used and installed, reducing risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. It is estimated that 200 lives could be saved and 20,000 injuries prevented annually if all children age four and under were properly restrained.
District ABC Director: bjgibson@cox.net
Kansas Safe Kids Coalition http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/safekids/