A Connecticut school district initiated a bus monitor program on the elementary bus runs. Monitors are paid $8.50 per run, are subject to the same medical examinations as are drivers, and are given preemployment drug tests. Children show respect toward the monitors. The district has concluded that monitors do help in making bus stops safer for all…

In many states, the greatest threat to safe student transportation is elimination of the school transportation program. Using public transit buses, large vans, smaller vehicles, or specialized equipment can cause major-issue headaches. False issues include controversies over seat belts, bus design, and optional "bells and whistles." (10…

Fatal motor vehicle crashes per capita remained relatively stable over the 1990s, in spite of new traffic safety laws and vehicle innovations. One explanation for this stability is that the price of gasoline declined, which resulted in more vehicle miles traveled and potentially more fatalities. By using 1983-2000 monthly gasoline price and…

This article describes federal and state laws that affect the opportunity of people with low vision to drive and to obtain driver's licenses. Discrimination against individuals with low vision is discussed in the context of equal protection and the Americans with Disabilities Act. A review of relevant case law and implications for drivers with low…

Objective: To prospectively assess the prevalence, course, and predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) in children after road traffic accidents (RTAs). Method: Sixty-eight children (6.5-14.5 years old) were interviewed 4-6 weeks and 12 months after an RTA with the Child PTSD Reaction Index (response rate 58.6%). Their mothers (n = 60)…

Few pedestrian injury prevention programs appear to articulate the theory upon which their design and evaluation are based. This article describes how theory was used to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate the educational component of a comprehensive child pedestrian intervention. Organizational and planning theories were used to guide the…

Objectives: To evaluate an interactive multimedia (IMM) program that teaches young children safe pedestrian skills. Methods: The program uses IMM (animation and video) to teach children critical skills for crossing streets safely. A computer-delivered video assessment and a real-life street simulation were used to measure the effectiveness of the…

This handbook is designed to guide California parents in helping their teenagers practice the driving skills required to obtain a driver license. The first section includes information on the following topics: meeting California driver training and licensing requirements, understanding the parent's role as the driving instructor's aide, using the…

These two issues are designed to provide secondary school educators with a greater knowledge of insurance and access to teaching materials regarding insurance and to provide students with information about insurance and insurance careers. The following feature articles are included in the newsletters: "Life Insurance: Why and When People Buy…

Senate Bill 3096 (S. 3096), the Bicycle Helmet Promotion Act, provides incentive grants to state and local governments that seek to promote the use of bicycle helmets by children under the age of 16. Between 1984 and 1988, a total of 4,815 Americans died and 2,830,475 suffered injuries requiring hospitalization as a result of accidents that…

This study examined existing evaluations of drinking-age laws to determine the extent to which they provide empirical support for federal and state initiatives to change the legal drinking age. It specifically examined the effects that raising the minimum drinking age has had on traffic accidents, beverage alcohol consumption, driving after…

This instructor's manual is designed for use by an experienced cyclist to teach a 10-week, 30-hour course. The course provides on-bike and classroom instruction in defensive maneuvers in traffic, long-distance riding, health and physiology, bike maintenance, legal considerations of biking, and route selection. Participants should be at least…

This booklet provides information on safe motorcycle operation and accident prevention. Its special focus is on Peace Corps volunteers who operate motorcycles in West Africa. A discussion of how a motorcyclist can minimize risks focuses on the "invisible motorcycle" and basic safety precautions. A section with riding tips is divided…

In a series of experiments, kindergarten children were to look out for traffic while standing at a curb and to tell the experimenter when they could cross the street. In trials without oncoming traffic clear differences were found between 4-year-old children and older kindergarten children. The 4-year-olds most often looked in one direction only.…

Intended for present and future operators of mopeds, this curriculum guide is designed to aid in the instruction of safe moped operation and control. Its objective is for these operators to increase their understanding of the various knowledge, skills, and performance factors that affect their safety as well as the safety of other street and…