Buck the Buckle-Up Dog Web Site Enhances Safety Program

A new, interactive educational Web site for students in grades K-3, featuring "Buck, the Buckle-up Dog" and his traffic safety adventures, was unveiled today before Governor Jon S. Corzine and a group of first grade students. The event marks the first time the Cumberland County-based program has been expanded to reach educators, parents and young children throughout New Jersey.

Funded by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (DHTS), the Web site and educational program uses Buck, a real-life 115-pound Doberman pinscher, to engage young students in activities that emphasize the importance of proper car, booster seat and seat belt use, as well as bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Buck, who is owned and handled by Bill Garrison, a traffic safety coordinator with the Cumberland County Sherriff's Office, is known locally for his visits to schools and community events. Collateral educational materials are used by schools throughout the year and include coloring books, trading cards, and story books.

"Programs like this help children learn the life-saving value of seat belt use," Governor Corzine said. "Through the use of the Internet, and this interactive educational program, we can bring this important traffic safety message to children throughout New Jersey, and ultimately encourage safe driving behavior for all New Jerseyans."

According to Pam Fischer, the director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, programs such as Buck help reinforce, at an early age, appropriate driving behaviors.

"It's important to begin educating children as young as possible about the rules of the road and good safety habits," Fischer said. "Through Buck's visits to elementary schools and community events, young people meet Buck, hear his safety message, and carry what they learn home, where it can be reinforced though a visit to his Web site. Youngsters today are Web-savvy, and they need interactive programs like this one that are not only fun, but educational, too."

The new Web site, www.buckthebuckleupdog.org, includes all program materials, as well as games and contests for children, which can be downloaded. A special section for parents offers a variety of traffic safety resources, including programs and materials designed to help families learn more about staying safe on New Jersey roadways.

Developed by the Cumberland County Traffic Safety Committee, the program has reached thousands of elementary school-age children since its inception three years ago. With the addition of the Web site, the program now has the potential to reach an unlimited number of young children throughout New Jersey.

According to Garrison, illustrating the traffic safety message with a real dog has become an effective way to reach younger children.

"It's important for children to know that if they don't wear their bike helmets, or cross an intersection properly when walking to school, or buckle-up, every ride, their safety may be compromised," Garrison said. "We believe that this new Web site will encourage not only teachers, but parents and their children to heighten awareness about traffic safety issues that impact everyone, no matter what their age."