TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION, TEXAS-STYLE

The Texas public information and education program in traffic safety, conducted through the Traffic Safety Section of the Department of Highways and Public Transportation, is divided into special subject areas (bicycle and pedestrian safety, restraints, motorcycle safety, drinking and driving, and speeding), for particular target groups, and particular geographical regions. The program is aimed not only at teaching safety skills at an early age but also at reinforcing attitudes and behaviors later in life. The Traffic Safety Section provides learning materials on request to school students as well as to church groups and youth clubs. These materials, designed for the 5-12 age group, include a coloring book, activity book, a puppet safety theater, a sign identification kit, and a make-your-own filmstrip kit. Traffic safety workshops are held for elementary school teachers. Also available to the schools are a nine-hour course curriculum on bicycle safety, and a school safety handbook for students and sponsors. The Texas Youth Safety Program involves high school students in the establishment of a safety committee to plan and conduct traffic safety projects. Television, radio, and newspapers convey traffic safety information to adult drivers. Local media campaigns are designed for the larger metropolitan areas with the most severe traffic problems. There are more than 25 traffic safety specialists/coordinators and 12 public education specialists involved in the Texas traffic safety program. The Texas child restraint program has the commitment of the medical profession as well as civic groups. The Texas Jaycees are promoting compliance with the fifty-five mile per hour speed limit.