'SAVE A GROWN-UP': CHILDREN REMIND ADULTS TO DRIVE SAFELY

Forget the crash test dummies for a while. Missouri has found new messengers to help make adults better drivers, a spokeswoman from the state Division of Highway Safety said.

The 18 children running a press conference on Thursday at Blanchard School were part of a statewide effort to encourage safer driving among those who can do so legally, said Robin Adkison of the Highway Safety Division. It's called "Save a Grown-Up."

"We're just kids but we know how many people get hurt from not driving right," said 9-year-old Colby Burge, standing behind a brightly painted, two-foot high podium.

The children took turns at the podium, each sharing one-line bits of advice geared to get drivers thinking about their habits before Labor Day weekend.

Colby suggested adults to stop running red lights and watch out for walkers.

Focus groups and opinion sampling that started two and a half years ago gave the Division of Highway Safety the idea to have children speak to drivers, Adkison said.

"We had thought what would make for safer drivers," she said. "Kids have a universal appeal."

The 11 children who addressed a school lunch room of reporters, parents, teachers and public safety professionals carried handwritten speeches to the podium. At least most did.

Eight-year-old Clayton gave his name and age, and then several shoulder shrugs. Colby asked him from behind in a very audible whisper where his paper was. He said he didn't have one.

But after a few more tense seconds, Clayton ad libbed.

"Do not talk on a cell phone while driving," he said.

Children see life decisions more as black and white, so they can eliminate some of the gray areas for adults, said Adkison, who also spoke during the press conference.

"You can't ignore what they're saying, because it comes from the heart," she said. "They have the least control over traffic, but they are always passengers."

Allie, 6, got the attention of a few law enforcement officers when she addressed the crowd.

"Don't be mean to policemen," she said, then sat down. A Missouri Highway Patrol trooper in the audience gave a smile and nod.

Melissa Burge watched her son Colby and six-year-old daughter Brooke in their first public speaking attempts Thursday. They have already spoken with their father about safety, Burge said.

"They are always reminding my husband about buckling up," she said.

Burge's children were greatly influenced by an accident with two fatalities that they saw a year ago, their mother said.

"Both of the people in the accident were ejected from the car into a field," she said. "I hated for that to happen, but it really impacted Colby and Brooke."

Six-year-old Emily didn't have much to say. After opening with a big smile, she said her name, waited a few minutes, and then said her age.

Colby and the other children were excitedly giving Emily prompts in the background, but she seemed content to smile.