One of the goals of the program is to recruit individuals from rural and underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds or individuals who are committed to practicing with underserved, vulnerable populations. Based on a training program conducted in 15 rural communities in 1997 and 1998 that raised seat-belt usage 20 and 13 percent respectively, the NRHA has developed the new Rural Resident Occupant Safety Kit. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for children up to 16 years old. Each year, six out of 10 children killed in crashes are completely unrestrained, and the percentage of unrestrained children riding in vehicles is higher in rural areas than in urban areas of the country. Because of this reticence of rural residents to buckle up, local law enforcement officers, who are charged with enforcing existing seat belt laws, sometimes meet with resistance from their own friends and neighbors.
Studies consistently demonstrate that unbelted drivers have a dangerous impact on children.
We know these officers will be energized by the groundswell of support from organizations like the NRHA and its members across rural America. Every 30 minutes someone in America dies because of an impaired driver. Every two minutes someone is injured. An extensive kit has been prepared with information on how rural communities can partner with local media to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of impaired driving, build and expand partnerships among local and state organizations, create community support for law enforcement efforts, and enforce existing laws through active enforcement programs. Combating impaired driving is an ongoing effort.