BENTON-FRANKLIN TRAFFIC SAFETY TASK FORCE

Lynda Lou West, Coordinator Benton-Franklin Traffic Safety Task Force 5230 Outlet Drive Pasco, WA 99301 Phone: 509-727-3077   Cell: 509-366-0358    Email: westl@ci.pasco.wa.us

The Benton-Franklin Traffic Safety Task Force has served the lower Columbia Basin since October 1, 2000. With the combined efforts of the Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, West Richland, and Prosser Police Departments, Benton Co. and Franklin County Sheriffs Dept., WA State Patrol, WA State Liquor Control Board, B-F Substance Abuse Coalition, B-F Safe Kids Coalition/B-F Health Dept., and ESD 123, the traffic safety issues that plague the Columbia Basin have continuously remained the focus of the task force.

Geographically, Benton and Franklin Counties are located in the southeastern part of Washington State with three major cities, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland (known as Tri-Cities). The two counties have a combined population of approx. 224,800. Franklin County is primarily agricultural while Benton County is considered the hub for retail and services. In addition to these cities, there are numerous smaller communities and rural areas such as; West Richland, Benton City, Prosser, Basin City, Connell, Finley, Kahlotus, and Mesa. Traffic-ways in the bi-county area include I-82, the I-182 spur, State Routes 395, 240, 12, 124, 397, 17, 14, 224 and 260.

Projects and Programs:

“Cooper's Corner” is a fun, exciting and innovative way to encourage children and their families to learn through play about traffic safety issues. This miniature city is whimsical in design, while integrating real traffic safety elements such as; traffic lights, electronic walk signs, cross walks, street signs and even a real fire hydrant. Families can tour the city by foot, learning about pedestrian safety or by Plasma car learning about the rules of the road. Another mode of transportation is the stationary bikes and the virtual bike tour through Tri Cities. This hands-on, interactive exhibit will teach the young and old about bicycle safety; bike helmets and the proper fit, hand signals, general basic rules to bicycle safety and the importance of bike maintenance.

Coopers Corner is in loving memory of Cooper Jones, the 13 year old who was killed on a sanctioned bike race in Spokane.

Funding: Thank you to the WA Traffic Safety Commission for awarding 40K to the B/F Traffic Safety Task Force to start the project. Their support and encouragement has made this project possible. Future funding will be obtained through other grants and funding sources, in-kind donations, volunteers and a lot sweat equity. A special thank you to the Bright Horizon Foundation (Foundation for Children) for having the passion, believing in the project and for sharing the vision (grant award of 5K).

Location: Columbia Center Mall, 556 Columbia Center Blvd. Cooper’s Corner is located on the north end of the mall near JC Penney.

Note: The Tri Cities Coopers Corner is still under construction, but in the meantime,
please visit the Coopers Corner in Spokane at the River Park Square.

For more information about Coopers Corner, please contact Lynda Lou at bftaskforce@bfsac.org

The PLADD Group presents, “What’s a Life Worth?...the choice is yours”: This interactive CD Rom is the perfect prevention tool to address and educate our youth about destructive decisions. By utilizing today’s media technology and the hands-on philosophy, participants will be able to experience “real life” consequences. This virtual reality world will teach the youth of today how the choices and decisions they make, as well as those of others, will affect the rest of their lives and the lives of family and friends. Depending on your choices, this interactive CD Rom will take you down paths you’ve never dreamed about and couldn’t imagine in your worst nightmares. Some of the outcomes involve; traffic collisions that leave you and/or your friends dead or physically handicapped, date rape, pregnancy, arrest, and domestic violence. This CD Rom will also contain testimonials from those who have had their lives destroyed, a resource and referral section and even a section to test your knowledge and skills. Check it out and see where your choices lead you and ask yourself… What’s your life worth?

To become involved or for more information, contact Lynda Lou at bftaskforce@bfsac.org

Note: PLADD…People Learning about Destructive Decisions

Occupant Protection: Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety has always been a major focus of the B-F Traffic Safety Task Force. Combining prevention, education and enforcement is the key to successfully raising the awareness of the importance of properly using seatbelts, car seats and booster seats. The overtime campaign, Click It or Ticket, is an excellent example that encompasses all three elements. Local law enforcement agencies are proud to collaborate in these multi agency emphasis patrols that focus on raising the seatbelt usage rate in Southeastern WA. The Benton-Franklin Safe Kids Coalition play a vital role in our efforts and are an important partner in reaching our goal of reducing the number of traffic related deaths and injuries involving children. Some of their efforts include:

• Child Safety Seat Inspection Station - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday by appointment. Location - WA State Patrol Office, 143302 E. Law Lane, Kennewick. To schedule an appointment call – (509) 734-7029
• Helmet Fit and Distribution - Low cost helmets are available at various locations in the community
• Bike/wheel Safety Education Trailer - A fully equipped education trailer is available to schools and organizations to use to conduct safety education for children.

For more information or to become a partner of Benton-Franklin Safe Kids please contact Jerry Tyler at jerryt@bfhd.wa.gov or the B/F health District at http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/base/index.php

Media Outreach: The Media in Benton and Franklin Counties are great supporters of the efforts of the Task Force. Attached are some of the local PSA’S that were created, developed, edited and ran on Charter Media. This particular series of PSA’S focuses on Drinking and Driving and how it Shatters Lives. Charter Media has consistently been a great supporter and partner of the B-F Traffic Safety Task Force.

El Protector: The El Protector Program is an educational outreach program designed to help educate the Hispanic Community in the area of traffic safety. The Kennewick Detachment of the WA State Patrol is the guiding force behind this innovative program. This year the El Protector program participated in approximately 32 events and presentations reaching approximately 3,922 people. By utilizing the media, approximately 1,920,000 people have been reached. With Franklin County’s population of 43% (and continuously rising) Hispanic/Latino community, this program is an important safety program and an integral part of the Task Force.

Resource Links:

• Benton County Sheriff's Office - http://www.co.benton.wa.us/html/sheriff.htm
• Franklin County Sheriff's Office - http://www.co.franklin.wa.us/sheriff/
• NHTSA Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Facts - Benton County
• NHTSA Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Facts - Franklin County
• Benton-Franklin Substance Abuse Coalition – http://www.bfsac.org
  • Community Mobilization
  • Prevention and Parenting Programs
  • Speakers
  • Resources and referrals
  • Columbia Challenge Ropes Course
  • Meth Action Team
    

Media Gallery:

• Photos:
  • WTSC Director Lowell Porter and B-F Coordinators
  • Press Conference - Drive Hammered ... Get Nailed
  
  
• Videos:
  • DUI Media Clip - Dennis Dale Click (2MB WMV)
  • DUI Media Clip - Erin Klotz (2MB WMV)