Buckle Up PA School Programs

PennDOT is encouraging schools to take advantage of free educational programs offered through its highway safety network.

PennDOT funds the efforts and works closely with its highway safety partners to conduct three educational seat belt programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The free programs are available throughout the school year and are presented by one of the more than 1,500 municipal police officers and State Police troopers specially trained in the curriculum.

"The Back Is Where It´s At" program is appropriate for kindergarten through grade 5 students and focuses on keeping young children in the back seat, in booster seats, and in seat belts. Children should never be in the front seat where they can be injured by air bags. To ensure a more personalized and interactive experience, this program is designed for small groups.

"Survival 101," which includes a high impact, multi-media component, is geared toward grades 6-12 and emphasizes the importance of making good decisions as passengers and new drivers. During the hard-hitting program, officers share with students the details of their experience with crashes involving teenage drivers and passengers.

The third program, "16 Minutes," is designed for students in grades 9-10 and serves as a supplement to Survival 101. Presented in one-on-one or small group meetings with a police officer, the program should be offered during the month the student turns 16. During the meeting, students and the officer will discuss highway safety issues relevant to teen drivers such as inexperience and driver distraction. In addition, impaired driving, aggressive driving and seat belt use also will be addressed.

To schedule any of the above programs, please contact Buckle Up PA at 570-628-2414.