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'Do the Buckle' Campaign Makes Safety Belts 'Cool' in Spokane

2 October 1998

'Do the Buckle' Campaign Makes Wearing a Safety Belt 'Cool' for Kids in Spokane

   Campaign Brings Life-Saving Air Bag and Safety Belt Messages to Spokane

    SPOKANE, Wash., Oct. 2 -- Did you know that motor vehicle
crashes are the leading cause of death to children, taking the lives of more
than 2,100 children and seriously injuring 330,000 more in 1996?  In addition,
the National Safety Council announced recently that as many as 175,000 infants
continue to be placed in the front safety of vehicles equipped with air bags,
putting these infants at serious risk.
    Chrysler is striving to raise awareness in Spokane about the importance of
safety belts and buckling kids in the back seat.  The campaign, called "Do the
Buckle," features a fleet of ten Chrysler Corporation minivans traveling the
country carrying safety messages to schools, malls, childcare centers, and
local events.  The campaign gives air bag and safety belt guidelines to
children and people of all ages through lively demonstrations and the "Do the
Buckle" music video.  One of the "Do the Buckle" minivans will be in the
Spokane market for the next week.
    Adults who don't use safety belts may think that their behavior only
affects them, but they're wrong.  Studies consistently show that there is
correlation between adult belt use and child belt use.  According to National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when a driver is buckled, 94
percent of the time children in that vehicle are buckled; but, when a driver
is unbuckled, only 30 percent of child passengers are buckled.
    "Every hour someone dies in America simply because they didn't wear a
safety belt," said Tara Gardner, a "Do the Buckle" driver in the Spokane
market.  "Safety belts are the most effective means of reducing fatalities and
serious injuries, and sadly, many adults and children aren't using them.
We're here in Spokane to make wearing a safety 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 safety belt.  In the video, Bucky, a lively, animated character,
comes to life to help people of all ages understand the importance of safety
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 safety 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
safety belt use in the United States to 90 percent.  Yet, only 68 percent of
Americans wear safety belts.  By contrast, Germany stands at 95 percent.  "Do
the Buckle" is the second phase of Chrysler's successful consumer education
outreach, and supports President Clinton's recent plan to increase safety belt
use 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.