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EPIC > About EPIC
Transportation in California clearly emphasizes the use of the automobile, perhaps more than
anywhere else in the world. California is the third largest state in the United States and
contains more than 170,000 miles of roadways. And, it is estimated that California has more
than 30 million registered motor vehicles and 22 million licensed drivers, exceeding all other
states in the nation.
The State and Local Injury Control (SLIC) Section has been actively involved in the prevention of
traffic-related injuries for over ten years. Activities span the breadth of
organizational and community planning; coalition building; funding and support for interventions and
professional training; and technical assistance to local health departments, traffic safety
advocates, governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations and the public.
Bicycle Safety | Child Passenger Safety | Safe Routes 2 School
Bicycle Safety
Riding a bicycle is a wonderful and joyful experience available to us throughout our life
span. Unfortunately, if we fall, we can be hurt, and hurt badly. In California, 22,441
people were severely injured and 619 killed in bicycle-related crashes between 1996-2000. And
sadly, the lifetime costs to care for one person with a traumatic brain injury can exceed $4.6
million.
What are we doing about this? Learn more about bicycle safety...
Child Passenger Safety (Vehicle Occupant Safety Program)
In California, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and hospitalization among
children under age 16. With over 24 million vehicles, and over 170,000 thousand miles of
roadway, virtually every one of California's 8 million young people are routinely exposed to
traffic-related injury, disability and death. Motor vehicle occupant injuries are among the
top five causes of both death and hospitalization among children under age 16. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that, controlling for driver seat belt use
and the child's seating position, child restraints are 71% effective in reducing fatality among
infants and 54% effective among children aged one to four in passenger cars.
Motor vehicle-related injuries are preventable, yet motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause
of death and disability for children. In California, 4,579 children age four years and younger
were hospitalized as a result of motor vehicle occupant injuries in 1994. The Vehicle Occupant
Safety Program (VOSP) strives to prevent injuries and deaths to infants and toddlers in California
by increasing the use, and correcting misuse, of child safety seats.
VOSP works closely with local health departments, hospitals, community agencies, child care
providers, law enforcement, municipal court systems, and other state and local agencies to develop
child passenger safety educational programs that in particular benefit low-income families.
During the past several years, VOSP has successfully developed a statewide child passenger safety
infrastructure and network. Via this system, agencies across the state can jointly advocate
for stronger policies and legislation; work en masse towards changing organizational practices of
hospitals, law enforcement, child care, education, and other institutions; develop stronger local
coalitions and networks; receive consistent, accurate, and up-to-date information and impart
consistent messages and education; and begin to conduct consistent evaluation which yields valid
statewide data. VOSP, in collaboration with numerous partners and the statewide network, provides
the structure to create a sustainable child occupant system.
Safe Routes 2 School
Thirty years ago, more than 66 percent of all children walked to school. Walking or biking
to school gives children a sense of freedom and responsibility, allows them to enjoy the fresh air,
and provides opportunities to get to know their neighborhood while arriving at school alert,
refreshed, and ready to start their day. Yet most American children are denied this
experience; in fact, only 13 percent of American children walk or bike to school.
Recent research indicates that 20 to 25 percent of morning traffic is due to parents driving
their children to school. As a result, traffic congestion has increased around schools,
prompting even more parents to drive their children to school. The health consequences to our
children and to the well being of the community are extensive.
A successful Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program integrates health, fitness, traffic relief,
environmental awareness, and safety under one program. It is an opportunity to work closely with
your school, your community, and your local government to create a healthy lifestyle for children
and a safer, cleaner environment for everyone.
International Walk to School Day is October 2nd every year. To maximize Walk to
School Day participation, a centralized headquarters facilitates coordination of events and provides
materials and resources to schools and communities wishing to participate.
Find out more about Safe Routes to School and Walk to School Day...
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Who's
Got Car Seats? (referral directory to resources in your county) - PDF (318k)