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'Do The Buckle' Campaign Makes Seat Belt Safety 'Cool'

24 September 1998

'Do The Buckle' Campaign Makes Seat Belt Safety 'Cool' for Kids In Bloomington Area

          Safety Campaign Brings Life Saving Message to Bloomington

    BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Sept. 24 -- We've heard it for years --
"Seat belts save lives!"  So, why don't more Americans buckle up?  Chrysler
Corporation is addressing this problem in Bloomington and the surrounding area
with a new multi-million dollar campaign aimed at reminding kids and people of
all ages it's "cool" to Do the Buckle.
    Featuring a fleet of ten Chrysler minivans, the "Do the Buckle" safety
tour is traveling the country carrying safety messages (wear your seat belt,
kids in back, air bags save lives) to schools, malls, day care centers, and
local events.  The minivans bring safety demonstrations, the "Do the Buckle"
song and dance (through a video) and other fun safety messages to diverse
audiences.  A Do the Buckle minivan will be in Bloomington on Friday,
September 24th, giving a safety presentation at Mall of America from
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
    "Every hour someone dies in America simply because they didn't wear a seat
belt," said Jerry Ferrara, a "Do the Buckle" safety manager in the Bloomington
market.
    "Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing fatalities and
serious injuries, and sadly, many Americans aren't using them.  We're here in
Bloomington to make wearing a seat belt a fun experience for kids and people
all ages."
    The program's theme song, dance and video, "Do the Buckle," play off the
tune and lyrics from the '70s hit "Do the Hustle" and incorporate the motion a
person makes as they reach over their shoulder and across their torso to
buckle a seat belt.  In the video, Bucky, a lively, animated character, comes
to life to help people of all ages understand the importance of seat belts.
The video also features an introduction by Bill Nye, the star of the weekly
Disney production "Bill Nye the Science Guy," and Robert J. Eaton.
    The exterior of the minivans feature colorful graphics and a variety of
safety messages.  The interior is equipped with a monitor for viewing the
"Do the Buckle" music video and other safety videos.
    A number of safety-minded companies are supporting the campaign including
Takata Inc., a manufacturer of seat belts, ITT Automotive, a manufacturer of
antilock brake systems, and Autoliv, a manufacturer of air bags.
    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
an estimated 5,500 lives could be saved each year by increasing the level of
seat belt usage in the United States to 90 percent.  Yet, only 68 percent of
Americans wear seat belts.  By contrast, Germany stands at 95 percent and
Canada stands at roughly 89 percent.  Do the Buckle is the second phase of
Chrysler's successful consumer education outreach, and supports President
Clinton's recent plan to increase seat belt usage to 90 percent by 2005.
    If you would like to learn more about Do the Buckle or would like a
minivan to visit a particular venue, call 1-877-TOBUCKY.