Sunday, January 24, 1999
Buckle up: Seat belt program targets third-graders
By Jefferson Wolfe
Staff Writer
The Seneca County Sheriff's Office has received a grant to conduct an educational program with county third-graders on seat belt safety.
Sheriff H. Weldin Neff said the office received about a $1,000 grant for a program to be conducted in county schools by Administrative Officer Ron Craig.
''There will be materials distributed as well as lecture,'' Neff said. ''Usually, if the children are aware, they will make the parents aware.''
Craig said he will be coordinating the program with other county agencies and schools during the next two weeks.
All the elementary schools in the county, except Tiffin, Fostoria and any village also conducting the program, will be involved, Craig said.
One of the aims of the program is to bring youths into positive contact with law enforcement officers, he said.
''It lets the kids know police officers are there to help them,'' Craig said.
Neff said the program is geared toward third graders because they are a receptive audience.
''They are at an age level where they are more receptive and they are young enough to make an impression, but old enough to understand,'' he said.
Child seat belt violations are not a widespread problem in the county, Neff said.
''I would hesitate to say there are a lot of problems,'' he said. Regardless, the educational programs will be helpful, he said.
The program is funded through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The students are to learn about the importance of wearing safety belts and be sworn in as Ohio Safety Belt Deputies.
According to information from the Department of Public Safety, the program consists of a 30-minute lesson on the importance of safety belt use. There is to be discussion, activities and demonstrations. Students will receive materials, including cards, badges and letters for their parents.
The program is funded by safety belt violation money, and no tax dollars are involved.