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'Do The Buckle' Campaign Makes Wearing a Safety Belt 'Cool' for Kids in Pittsburgh

21 September 1998

'Do The Buckle' Campaign Makes Wearing a Safety Belt 'Cool' for Kids in Pittsburgh

           Safety Campaign Brings Life Saving Message to Pittsburgh

    PITTSBURGH, Sept. 21 -- We've heard it for years -- "Safety
belts save lives!"  So, why don't more Americans buckle up?  In fact, in the
state of Pennsylvania only 65 percent of drivers and passengers use safety
belts, three percent less than the national average, which is already low at
68 percent.
    Featuring a fleet of ten Chrysler Corporation minivans, the "Do the
Buckle" safety tour is traveling the country carrying safety messages (wear
your safety belt, kids in back, air bags save lives) to schools, malls, day
care centers and local events.  The minivans bring safety demonstrations, the
"Do the Buckle" song and dance (through a video) and other fun safety messages
to diverse audiences.  A "Do the Buckle" minivan will stay in the Pittsburgh
market and surrounding cities for the next two weeks.
    "Every hour someone dies in America simply because they didn't wear a
safety belt," said Michael Coniaris, a "Do the Buckle" driver in the
Pittsburgh market.  "Safety belts are the most effective means of reducing
fatalities and serious injuries, and sadly, many Americans aren't using them.
We're here in Pittsburgh to make wearing a safety belt a fun experience for
kids and people all ages."
    The program's theme song, dance and video, "Do the Buckle," play off the
tune and lyrics from the '70s hit "Do the Hustle" and incorporate the motion a
person makes as they reach over their shoulder and across their torso to
buckle a safety belt.  In the video, Bucky, a lively, animated character,
comes to life to help people of all ages understand the importance of safety
belts.  The video also features an introduction by Bill Nye, the star of the
weekly Disney production "Bill Nye the Science Guy," and Robert J. Eaton,
Chrysler Corporation's Chairman and CEO.
    The exterior of the minivans feature colorful graphics and a variety of
safety messages.  The interior is equipped with a monitor for viewing the "Do
the Buckle" music video and other safety videos.
    A number of safety-minded companies are supporting the campaign including
Takata Inc., a manufacturer of safety belts; ITT Automotive, a manufacturer of
antilock brake systems; and Autoliv, a manufacturer of air bags.
    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
an estimated 5,500 lives could be saved each year by increasing the level of
safety belt usage in the United States to 90 percent.
    "Do the Buckle" is the second phase of Chrysler's successful consumer
education outreach, and supports President Clinton's recent plan to increase
safety belt usage to 90 percent by 2005.
    If you would like to learn more about "Do the Buckle" or would like a
minivan to visit a particular venue, call 1-877-TOBUCKY.