There were 5,419,000 total crashes in 2010, resulting in 32,885 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States! Unmistakably, traffic crashes are a great danger to our society, and the threat extends beyond the obvious dangers such as drinking and driving or not wearing seat belts — distractions, inexperience, and aggressive behavior can also harm innocent victims sharing the roadways.

What can you do to help?  Get involved!

Help spread the message — start talking about traffic safety. Many people never hear safety messages through conventional channels about how to protect themselves and their family members on the road. This includes many who may sit in your congregation each Sunday. Churches are an effective way to get the message to those who are not always impacted by outreach to the general population. Marketing traffic safety faithbased materials can make a real difference in your efforts to reach out to your state’s diverse populations.

To become a voice for traffic safety, share the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 6 Clergy Kit for October – December with your congregation and community. The quarterly clergy kits are available for free download for African-American, Hispanic, and all-culture congregations with traffic safety reminders that are easily incorporated into church bulletins, Sunday school classes and announcements that are read during services. Included are sermon notes, bulletin announcements, and weekly reminders, plus a Sunday school activity designed to reach children with age-appropriate messages. Some materials are available in Spanish.

In this quarter, the messages emphasize alcohol-impaired driving, seat belt use, child passenger safety, and holiday travel.

We appreciate your continued support in spreading traffic safety messages in your community, helping educate all drivers and passengers to make safe, responsible, and informed decisions as they navigate through our streets and highways.