Coalition Update

The Idaho Seat Belt Coalition convened Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, to discuss the results of the November Mobilization, legislative survey results, plans for the January ?Empty Shoes? event, and other issues pertaining to the coalition. Members from around the state joined via video conference and participated in planning the next steps for the coalition.

The November Mobilization received extensive media coverage, including feature news stories on Idaho television news programs, as well as, articles published in newspapers around the state. The paid and earned media provided education regarding seat belt safety and the need for a primary seat belt law in Idaho.

To continue the coalition?s momentum the coalition is coordinating a public demonstration on the Statehouse steps, called ?Empty Shoes.? This event will show how many fatalities occurred on Idaho?s roads last year (2005) as a result of people not wearing their seat belts.

?Empty Shoes? media events also will be held in various Idaho districts to demonstrate the number of lives lost in each district. Preparation for the ?Empty Shoes? events is currently in progress. Your participation in these events will be instrumental in making them impactful. If you would like to participate in this event, please contact Amanda Burgess, aburgess@drakecooper.com.

During the December coalition meeting, formation of a media sub-committee was also discussed. The sub-committee members will be asked to meet with editorial staff at daily newspapers throughout the state (Jan. and Feb. 2007) and could be asked to provide interviews with news reporters covering coalition events. The focus of the sub-committee?s efforts will be education and awareness, rather than the need for a policy change, although the coalition?s message points toward the need for primary seat belt laws.

Results of the Legislative Survey were reviewed and brought forth by Dave Carlson. Overall, the majority of the registered voters in Idaho that participated in the survey showed support for passing a primary law and having higher seat belt fines. The results were also shared in the Jaunary/Febuary 2007 Issue of AAA member publication, VIA Magazine, on the president?s page.

The new Idaho Seat Belt Coalition Website and Newsletter are now up and running. Meeting minutes, educational materials, news coverage, and more information can be found at http://www.buckleupidaho.org. Stay tuned for newsletter coverage of the coalition?s activities which will be sent out monthly.