Ohio Launches “Buckle Up with Brutus” Seat Belt Program for Elementary Students
Source: http://www.buckleup.ohio.gov/
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) has launched “Buckle Up with Brutus,” a new initiative aimed at educating second and third grade students about the importance of seat belt and booster seat usage. In collaboration with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), The Ohio State University, and The Ohio School Resource Officers Association (OSROA), the program incorporates car seat safety science into interactive activities for young students.
A collaborative effort has developed a curriculum called “Buckle Up with Brutus,” which includes talking points, activities, worksheets, and a video called Brutus’ Seat Belt Boogie to educate children about seat belt and booster seat use. School resource officers will deliver the program, which aligns with curriculum standards and teaches strategies for safe vehicle passenger behavior. Introduced at the 2024 Ohio Traffic Safety Summit, it will be implemented statewide for the 2024-2025 school year, with OTSO currently seeking interested schools and law enforcement agencies to participate.
The curriculum, designed collaboratively, includes talking points, activities, worksheets, and a video featuring Brutus’ Seat Belt Boogie. School resource officers will present the program, which is aligned with curriculum standards and aims to teach children strategies for being good passengers in vehicles.
Action Points for Stakeholders:
- Parents:
Educate and Engage: Discuss the importance of seat belt use with your children and encourage them to share what they learn from the program. - Monitor and Reinforce: Ensure children always use seat belts and booster seats correctly, reinforcing the lessons taught in the program.
- Teachers and School Leaders:
Integrate the Program: Work with school resource officers to schedule and implement “Buckle Up with Brutus” within your school’s curriculum. - Support Learning: Use the provided materials to reinforce the program’s messages in the classroom.
- School Resource Officers:
Present the Curriculum: Deliver the program using the provided materials, including the video and activities, to effectively engage students. - Encourage Participation: Foster an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions about seat belt safety.
Community Members:
- Raise Awareness: Promote the program within your community to ensure that more families are informed about the importance of seat belt safety.
- Support Initiatives: Back local schools and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to implement the program effectively..
Mission of the Ohio Department of Public Safety
The Ohio Department of Public Safety, particularly through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), is committed to enhancing road safety in Ohio through innovative education, comprehensive enforcement programs, and creative leadership. OTSO collaborates with local, state, and federal entities to promote equity in highway safety programs, ensuring benefits for all road users. In Fiscal Year 2024, OTSO allocated over $23 million in federal funds to 135 Ohio agencies for statewide traffic safety initiatives. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, efforts can be made to decrease traffic-related injuries and fatalities among children, ultimately improving road safety for all in Ohio.
For more information and resources, visit [Buckle Up Ohio] (http://www.Buckleup.ohio.gov).
Contact Information:
Judy Converse
Public Information Officer, Ohio Traffic Safety Office
(614) 644-6052 – office
(614) 981-1751 – mobile
jlconverse@dps.ohio.gov
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