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Highway Safety Education
Contact Public Health Educator Christy Smith at (423) 209-8200 for more information, or to set up a presentation.
Advisory Council on Traffic Safety (ACTS)
The Advisory Council on Traffic Safety (ACTS) was formed to coordinate traffic safety issues and traffic crash prevention programs with governmental agencies in Hamilton County. The actions of the council are not bound to any one agency, but are intended to bring the agencies together as a unit. Since 1984, over twenty five years since forming the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety, the ten municipalities of Hamilton County are still represented.
Commissioner Larry Henry is the Chairperson of this committee and Judge Clarence Shattuck is the Vice Chairman. The council meets quarterly to network, announce upcoming traffic safety events and hear guest speakers on current traffic safety issues.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department coordinates the meetings and brings the group together for other events such as trainings, seat belt surveys, mock crashes and other educational presentations to local schools and community groups. Educational Programs are available by contacting the ACTS Coordinator at 423-209-8200.
Programs include:
- Car Seat Safety and Inspections
- "Drinking and Driving, the Costs and Consequences"
- Safe Teen Driving
- Seat Belt Surveys
- Simulated (Mock) Crashes
- Child Passenger Safety
Seat Belt Program
Seat belts have been proven to save lives. It’s the best defense you can have on the road. Recent surveys indicate that 74% of county residents wear their seat belts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Seat belt use nationwide reached 82% in 2005.
- 89% of children involved in crashes were unrestrained.
- Buckling a seat belt can improve the chance of surviving a potentially fatal crash by from 45% to 73%
The Highway Safety Program at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department participates in “Click It or Ticket,” “Buckle Up, America,” "National Child Passenger Safety Week," and other programs that help to save lives and reduce injuries. The health educator speaks to various business, school and community groups on seat belt usage. More info: www.tntrafficsafety.org.
Drinking and Driving Program
The Drinking and Driving Prevention Program at the Health Department seeks to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and fatalities through education, enforcement, and legislation. Currently, alcohol-related fatalities comprise about one-third of motor vehicle crash deaths.
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Car Seat Program | To qualify for a free car seat an applicant must:
- be a resident of Hamilton County
- be a recipient of WIC or TennCare
- attend a safety class to learn correct installation
- have a privately-owned vehicle available for class
Documentation and proof must accompany the parent or guardian on the day of the class.
Car seat hot line: (423) 209-8200
After viewing a brief video, class participants are shown how to properly restrain a child in the car seat. Participants are asked to do this before they are shown the correct way to put the restraint in the vehicle. Finally, parents are taught how to install the child restraint seat in the vehicle. Additional resources:
Bicycle Safety Program
Bicycle safety is of growing concern as gas prices rise and the community of Chattanooga becomes more environmentally conscious. Both drivers and cyclists need to be aware of bicycle traffic safety laws and tips for sharing the road. The Highway Safety Coordinator is available to promote awareness to students and adults alike with hands on presentations, helmet fittings and bicycle rodeos.
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Additional resources:
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