MSU Extension awarded expanded second-year funding to grow youth seat belt safety initiative
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EmailThe new award highlights both the program’s demonstrated effectiveness and the critical statewide need for enhanced youth traffic safety education.
Michigan State University Extension has been awarded a second year of funding from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to expand its youth seat belt safety initiative, “Click It: Time.” The new award of $292,000 represents a substantial increase from the initial $112,000 in first-year funding, highlighting both the program’s demonstrated effectiveness and the critical statewide need for enhanced youth traffic safety education.
The additional funding will support program delivery in five more Michigan counties – Clare, Gladwin, Gogebic, Houghton and Lapeer —broadening the reach of the initiative beyond its initial implementation in Wayne County. For the upcoming cycle, MSU Extension aims to reach more than 2,000 youth across the state through hands-on seat belt and distracted-driving education.
During the pilot year, the program team delivered 13 one-hour educational sessions that reached 322 youth and participated in 22 community events, engaging approximately 1,340 youth and family members. These educational programs emphasized the importance of consistent seat belt use, highlighted risks associated with not wearing a seat belt, and empowered youth to serve as safety advocates to their peers and families. Evaluation of the program indicated improvements in youth knowledge, confidence and willingness to discuss seat belt safety with friends and family.
The OHSP’s continued support allows MSU Extension to build upon a strong foundation of evidence-based programming, while additional investment will enable MSU Extension to expand program materials, strengthen partnerships with local schools and youth-serving organizations, and increase the number of in-person and community-based outreach opportunities. By expanding into new counties, MSU Extension can reach more youth in Michigan and contribute to reducing preventable injuries through education, engagement and youth empowerment.
“Click It: Time” integrates hands-on, experiential learning strategies that ensures messages are both memorable and actionable for youth audiences. To learn more about the 4-H safety belt program, contact piconeal@msu.edu or connect with MSU Extension in your community by contacting your county MSU Extension office.
Looking for more 4-H healthy living programs? Visit the 4-H Healthy Youth website.
