TWO ATTEND TRAFFIC SAFETY LEGISLATION EVENT

Stacey Ross and Lynn Ware recently participated in a major effort to set up legislative priorities for traffic safety. They represented the Cape Girardeau Area Heads Up Program and the Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition.

A group of health care, insurance, transportation, civic and safety organizations met Nov. 8 in Jefferson City to organize a new coalition, Missouri Advocates for Traffic Safety. Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson and Terry Knowles, director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, addressed the first meeting of the coalition.

Since 1980, the traffic fatality rate has been reduced in the state by 47 percent and countless injuries have been prevented, according to the coalition. Coalition organizers attribute a large part of these reductions to the passage and enforcement of effective traffic safety laws. Missouri Advocates for Traffic Safety will work to continue to strengthen such laws.

Participants at the conference discussed potential legislation and issues concerning occupant protection, particularly seat belt use in pick-up trucks and child safety seats; the strengthening of drunk driving laws and strategies to thwart efforts to weaken the state's motorcycle helmet law.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in Missouri and throughout the nation. Severe traffic injuries are also a tremendous drain on the resources of health care systems.

Information regarding the Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition and the Cape Girardeau Heads Up Program can be obtained by calling 651-5815 or 335-1251.