MACON - Safe Kids/Gainesville-Hall County's community partners were recently presented with 2015 Buckle Up! America awards at a ceremony in Macon.
The awards were presented by the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute (GTIPI), a part of The University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
They were presented to the Gainesville Police Department and Trooper 1st Class David Snyer of the Georgia State Patrol Troop B Command.
The Buckle Up! America Awards recognize individuals, agencies, community and civic groups who work to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities in Georgia through involvement with traffic safety, seat belt and child safety seat awareness initiatives.
“The 2015 Awards Ceremony was designed to publicly thank traffic safety advocates for all that they have done to support traffic safety initiatives,” said Don Bower, the Institute’s Project Director. “These award winners focus on seat belts, child passenger safety and teen driving programs in the local community and across the State of Georgia,” he said.
To be considered for an award, a nomination was made with supportive documentation that identified impact in the following areas: Community Involvement, Injury Prevention Activities, Advocacy, Leadership, and Merit.
"Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County community partners, the Gainesville Police Department and TFC David Snyder with the Georgia State Patrol Troop B Command demonstrated how to effectively address traffic injury prevention and involve other organizations in a community effort,” said Harris Blackwood, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
TFC David Snyder was nominated in the Individual Category and the Gainesville Police Department was nominated in the Law Enforcement Category.
This year’s nominees were also recognized for taking an active role in promoting injury prevention in the field of traffic safety, including legislative activities, injury prevention initiatives, and through media.
"Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County community partners, the Gainesville Police Department and TFC David Snyder with the Georgia State Patrol Troop B Command demonstrated a strong leadership role at a level of merit in 2015,” Blackwood added. “We are extremely proud of the work these professionals and volunteers do to save lives on Georgia’s roads and highways.”
“Our local law enforcement community partners have made great progress in reducing injuries to children in motor vehicle crashes due to our combined efforts with our child passenger safety programs. According to ER data from Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), injuries from motor vehicle crashes decreased by 39% from 2008-2013”, said Kimberly Martin, Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County Coalition Coordinator and Training Coordinator for the Lanier Child Passenger Safety Task Force.
“They are valuable resources for Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County. Their passion for their prevention work truly shows, and I see how positively kids respond to them as they teach about various safety topics,” she said.
“Also, an honorable mention to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office who also serves our coalition, Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County, by participating in our child passenger safety events and hosting two car seat fitting stations in Hall County”, said Martin.
For more information about the Buckle Up! America Awards, or for information about traffic safety, child safety seats, teen driving, and older driver resources, visit The University of Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute’s website at www.ridesafegeorgia.org.
Gainesville/Hall County Child Car Seat Fitting Stations
Gainesville Police Department
Where: 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County community partners, the Gainesville Police Department and TFC David Snyder
When: Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Georgia State Patrol Post 6
Where: 2000 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville
When: Monday - Friday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Please call 770-535-6951 for a same-day appointment
Hall County Sheriff's Office (2 Locations)
Where: Central Precinct - 610 Main Street, Gainesville
Where: South Precinct – 7345 Cody Drive, Flowery Branch
When: Monday - Friday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Please call 770-531-6889 for a same-day appointment
Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County Office
Where: 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 115, Gainesville
When: By appointment only
Please call 770-219-8095 for an appointment
