Coalition Tools

Through a grant provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation, “Destination: Safe” has resources that are being used in the region to help address high priority issues like aggressive driving, impaired driving, pedestrian safety and safety belts/occupant protection.

Law Enforcement Strategies

“Destination: Safe” works with local law enforcement to implement strategies in the four high priority issues identified by the coalition. The goals of these enforcement strategies are to increase occupant protection and safety belt use, to reduce impaired driving, to reduce aggressive driving and to increase pedestrian safety.

Two “Destination: Safe” enforcement efforts are scheduled in 2005 and 2006. These efforts are in addition to normal law enforcement hours and national campaigns such as Ticket or Click It, You Drink You Drive You Lose and nationwide I-35 corridor enforcement. Results of the October 24-31, 2005, impaired driving efforts are available. Another effort is scheduled for April 17-21, 2006, that will focus on aggressive driving.

An enforcement initiative to promote crosswalk and pedestrian safety is under research.

SIDNE (Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience)

SIDNE is available for use in the region and teaches the effects of impaired driving. The go-kart is designed for drivers to maneuver through an obstacle course while sober. It can be placed into impaired mode at any moment. Drivers are typically unable to control their vehicle and begin to take out cones throughout the course. A driver and a passenger can ride at the same time, and the vehicle requires drivers and passengers to be buckled up.

For more information about SIDNE or to request its program, contact Sgt. John Hotz with the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 816/622-0800.

Fatal Vision Goggles

Fatal Vision Goggles are available for community use. The new package has several levels of impairment and nighttime vision. These goggles can be used to show the effects of impaired driving by having program attendees walk a line or throw a ball. Other creative activities can be explored in a classroom setting or other educational moments.

Contact Sgt. John Hotz with the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 816/622-0800 for more information about Fatal Vision Goggles.

Child Passenger Safety Fitting Stations & Training

To improve the region’s safety belt use rates among children, “Destination: Safe” is working with child passenger safety (CPS) to establish fitting stations in each county. A working group is identifying potential locations and needs. Training is being reimbursed in areas that need qualified technicians.

For more information, contact Kathy Zents with the Safety and Health Council of Western Missouri & Kansas at 816/842-5225.

Public Information & Education

Public awareness and education is a key to promoting key safety priorities in the region. Through assistance with Missouri Arrive Alive and Kansas Safe Not Sorry, safety messages are being coordinated on a metropolitan level in the Kansas City region. Billboards and public service announcements are running throughout the region promoting safe driving behaviors in each of the identified high priority safety areas.

Contact Steve Porter with the Missouri Department of Transportation at 816/622-6329.