Bicycle injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in young children. To reduce the number of such injuries, we created an interactive CD-ROM program to teach young children bike safety. Key components of the program are: 1) the utilization of interactive media to tailor the instructional presentation and remediation to the individual user; 2) the use of effective instructional design principles to efficiently teach safety skills; and 3) the application of these skills in video-based examples of real-life traffic situations.
Based on formative evaluation research, we identified proper use of helmets and safe street crossing as critical skills for avoiding bike-related injuries. To evaluate the program we employed a randomized control design with 110 children in grades 1-3. Pre- and post-measures involved the assessment of how to wear a helmet, how to safely navigate real-life intersections (presented on video and via a life-sized simulated intersection), and how to ride bikes safely. Preliminary findings suggest that the use of the program led to an increased ability to apply safe street-crossing behaviors to real-life traffic situations. Additional findings and implications for future interventions will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) identify the role of bicycles in death/disability of young children 2) identify critical components for evaluating bike safety programs
Keywords: Injury Prevention, Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Oregon Center for Applied Science, Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by the Oregon Center for Applied Science, Inc.