TRAFFIC LEGISLATORS LEARN IT'S PAY NOW OR PAY LATER

Data show that motor vehicle crashes are costing an unacceptable amount of taxpayer and other dollars, and prevention of the injury seems the most cost beneficial approach to this problem. Technology exists for preventing debilitating injuries, and the need is indicated for the championship of additional funding for programmatic solutions to this public health and safety problem. Three examples of policy intiatives in this area are noted. A center could be established within the Center for Disease Control to elevate the importance of the issue, and to promote research and education efforts in this area. Increasing effort could also be focused on the use of motorcycle helmet and safety belt use. A bill to coerce states to adopt a mandatory use law is discussed. Another effort in this area is the Community SAFE KIDS Week ushered in May 1989. This effort will also support a petition for a uniform national bicylce helmet standard by members of the National Coalition to Prevent Childhood Injury. About 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious head injuries each year, and the issue of bicycle helmets is important.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410721
• Corporate Authors:

  National Safety Council

  444 North Michigan Avenue
  Chicago, IL  United States  60611
• Authors:
  • Stone, J L
• Publication Date: 1989-7

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 25-26
• Serial:
  • Traffic Safety (Chicago)
  • Volume: 89
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: National Safety Council
  • ISSN: 0041-0721

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Crashes; Cyclists; Head; Helmets; Injuries; Laws; Manual safety belts; Motorcyclists; Policy; Prevention; Research; Safety education
• Uncontrolled Terms: Accident costs; Head injuries
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Finance; Highways; Law; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Policy; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00486477
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1989 12:00AM