Volume 1, Number 6 - August/September 1998

Operation ABC Mobilization combines rigorous enforcement of child motor vehicle safety restraint laws with an intensive media campaign designed to alert the public about this enforcement. The Mobilization's critical message is that children must be properly buckled up at all times. It's the law. No exceptions, no excuses. Such a coordinated nationwide endeavor creates a synergy that makes the efforts of all the participating agencies that much more effective.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Ricardo Martinez points out that "state and local enforcement agencies have focused on highway safety during busy holiday travel periods in the past, but this national effort to protect children is truly unique and is demonstrating significant changes in safety behavior." The first Operation ABC Mobilization, which took place in May 1998, resulted in an increase of 6 million people buckling up (over what would have been expected had the campaign not taken place). NHTSA estimates that this saved 670 lives. Fatalities over Memorial Day weekend dropped by 35 percent from the previous year.

Three more mobilizations will follow on the success of the initial campaign. The next will occur November 23-29, 1998. Participating law enforcement agencies and their partners agree to devote special emphasis to state child passenger safety laws during this period by setting up child passenger safety checkpoints, increasing enforcement of seat belt violations, and participating in media campaigns and other public awareness efforts. Enforcement of adult seat belt laws is also encouraged, since research demonstrates that children being properly restrained in a vehicle is statistically related to whether the driver is using a seat belt.

Operation ABC Mobilization kits are available and include template media materials, air bag and seat belt flyers, banners for events, and other materials. Mobilization and NHTSA staff will also work with participating agencies to help prepare for the Mobilization week and support media outreach efforts.

To obtain an Operation ABC Mobilization kit and other assistance, fax NHTSA at (202) 338-0415 or call the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign at (202) 625-2570.

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