CONTACT: Sara Woo (619) 594-4373
Juan Pablo García (619) 594-3175

SAN DIEGO, Monday, January 31, 2005 – San Diego State University’s Department of Child and Family Development and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are expanding “Safely on the Move,” a low-cost safety seat program, to include traffic safety outreach to immigrant and refugee families living in the San Diego region.

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for all American children, and 60 percent of children who die in crashes are unrestrained. Buckle Up America, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, report that minority children are often at more risk. For example, these children are 42 percent more likely than children overall to suffer air-bag related injuries from being improperly placed in front seats. Other studies show that if the driver is buckled up, children are also more likely to be restrained.

Immigrants who don’t speak English, including those of Mexican, Filipino, African, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern descent, often have limited access to information on traffic safety laws and proper seat belt and child seat use. This barrier can put children and their parents at greater risk when on the road. Safely on the Move’s goal is to eliminate that barrier so everyone can travel as safely as possible.

Safely on the Move, in partnership with local agencies, will develop culturally appropriate safety belt messages in multiple languages, provide safety belt resources, conduct media awareness and outreach campaigns, hold traffic safety training sessions, and low-cost child seat distributions to serve immigrant and refugee populations living in San Diego County.

“We’re fully in support of what San Diego State University is doing to help save the lives of young people and reduce injuries,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which awarded the grant through the Office of Traffic Safety.

Additional information about Safely on the Move may be found by visiting www.safelyonthemove.sdsu.edu or by calling (619) 594-0784.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s nearly 33,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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