FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 10, 1998
Contact: Bruce Frame
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
FTA 03-98
FTA NAMES TRANSIT AUTHORITY
REGIONAL SAFETY "CHAMPION"
In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced that the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) regional office in Ft. Worth has named the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority as the "Moving Kids Safely Champion" for transit in Region 6. The award will be presented at the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Moving Kids Safely Conference in Arlington on Feb. 12, 1998.
"Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority, and we've made great strides in improving transportation safety for children," said Slater. "However, we must continue to work together to reduce the number of injuries and deaths to our children. This regional conference is an important step toward meeting that goal."
The "Moving Kids Safely" conference brings together a diverse group of transportation experts from across the country who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children. The focus of the one day conference is aimed at increasing child safety in all areas of transportation.
"This administration is committed to providing safe, efficient public transit for everyone and today’s conference illustrates FTA’s commitment to bring child safety to the forefront of transportation," FTA Administrator Gordon J. Linton said.
Transportation related tragedies are the leading cause of death among children, killing more than 3,200 children each year. More than 413,000 children -- or about one of every 148 kids--are injured each year. In addition, approximately 200,000 are hospitalized and more than 30,000 are permanently disabled because of transportation-related crashes.
During Child Passenger Safety Week, Feb. 9-13, 1998, DOT will sponsor ten regional meetings.
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