NCJ Number
188762
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 45 Issue: 2 Dated: Winter, 2000 Pages: 1-11
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of Stay Alive From Education (SAFE), a one-hour behavior modification program that informs students of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and not wearing seat belts, is assessed.
Abstract
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Nearly half of these deaths involve the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. Seat belts were not worn in over 85 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. The primary goal of SAFE is to change, modify, or “recondition” the behavior of students who participate in irresponsible driving behaviors so they become more responsible drivers and riders. The program presentation includes the viewing of graphic photographs of traffic victims, a demonstration of the physics of not wearing a seat belt, and the recruitment of a student volunteer who plays the part of an injured “crash victim.” Pretests and posttests were offered to 60 students to determine the efficacy of the program. Quantitative data and open-ended comments seem to suggest that students may change their driving behaviors in the short-term due to the influence of this presentation. However, it is not known whether it generates any behavior or long-term educational effects. Knowing this, school and police administrators may want to manipulate student behavior by presenting SAFE just prior to those “special occasions” that are marked by high traffic fatality rates. College students and even the public at large may be appropriate participants in the SAFE program should funding be available. 1 table, 12 references.