Evaluation of the effectiveness of single-session school-based programmes to increase children's seat belt and pedestrian safety knowledge and self-reported behaviours

Abstract

Young children experience many injuries as pedestrians and as passengers in vehicles. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two single-session school programmes, one to increase pedestrian safety knowledge and behaviour among Grade 1 children and the other to increase seat belt safety knowledge and usage among Grade 2 children. In the intervention groups, assessments were conducted on three occasions: before; soon after; and 2 months after the programmes; control groups did not receive the programme. The results revealed positive effects of these single-session safety programmes, as indicated by significant improvement and long-term retention of safety knowledge for both Grade 1 and Grade 2 children and self-reported increases in safety behaviours. Implications for future research and injury-prevention programming are discussed.

Keywords:

• Child
• Injury prevention
• Programming
• Seat belts
• Pedestrian safety

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their thanks to Constables Attila Korga and Don Conibear for their support of this research and excellent programme delivery; to the team of testers (Natalie Johnston, Barbara Kuczynski Shawn Matheis, Kathy Major, Hilary Newell, Joni Planetta) for their assistance with data collection; and to Mike Corbett and Bev Wicks for data entry and analysis. This research was supported by a grant to the first author from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.