Willow Springs, Mo. - 75 students in K-2 at Junction Hill School learned about road safety on October 7. The students participated in the new Buckle Buddy Program from the South Central Regional Coalition for Roadway Safety.

Participating students learned about proper vehicle restraints systems; including booster seats and safety belts. The Buckle Buddy program was developed to assist children in developing safe passenger restraint habits at an early age, and was designed to be educational, interactive and fun. Students from Junction Hill learned the "Buckle Buddy Song", read the "Buckle Buddy Story" and received an activity book to take home.

South Central Certified Appraiser Lisa Durnell, who has been presenting the program in the area, said the curriculum has been a success. "The kids loved everything about it," she said, "The teachers and coordinators have loved it too!" Principal Renee Miller said she thought older students might also enjoy the program and said, "We thoroughly enjoyed having this program in our school."

For additional information regarding road safety, or other transportation-related topics, contact the MoDOT Customer Service Center, toll-free, at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). Customers also may email the center at d9csc@modot.mo.gov. Information about the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety South Central Region is also available online at www.savemolives.com/southcentral.

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