Wisconsin Troopers' Association

Most people know what the "Convincer" is - a machine that simulates a crash so that riders can feel how safety belts work to keep them safely in their seat upon impact.

But the Convincer isn't designed to accomodate small children. That's why the Wisconsin Troopers' Association and the Wisconsin State Patrol have designed a "Little Convincer" especially for kindergarteners. The machine shows 5 and 6 year-olds first-hand how a safety belt holds them in a seat.

As part of the Little Convincer program, offered to all of Wisconsin's kindergartens free of charge, a State Patrol Trooper or Inspector brings the Little Convincer machine to the kindergarten for any or all of the children to ride.

The Trooper or Inspector also teaches children about the importance of not distracting the driver, as well as other proper behavior in the car, through an entertaining role-playing game. Each child who participates in the program automatically becomes a member of the Wisconsin State Patrol's "Click Club" and receives a little convincer coloring book and button.

Children learn at a rapid rate... but they are also very strong-willed. Starting at about the age of 5, children begin to neglect wearing their safety belts, and the child safety belt usage numbers drop off significantly with the kindergarten age group.

The little convincer program teaches children that they are never too old to buckle up.

"Buckle Up" Trooper Teddy Bear
For more than ten years Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin Troopers' Association has joined together in educating kindergarten children the importance of safety belt usage through the "Little Convincer Program". Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors demonstrate the importance of wearing safety belts with the aid of the "Little Convincer" (chair mechanism designed to simulate falling forward during a crash with a safety belt harness holding the child securely in their seat).

The Little Convincer Program is offered to all of Wisconsin's schools free of charge. The Wisconsin Troopers' Association covers the cost of supplying handout materials that are utilized during the program. On February 4, 2002, kindergarten children of Kennedy Elementary School were the first to receive "Buckle Up" teddy bears. These 8" bears are "trooper" bears complete with stetson and safety belts.

Again, last year in Wisconsin more than 60 percent of people killed in crashes were not wearing safety belts. During the same period enforcement of the Wisconsin's seat belt law increased by 17.8 percent from the previous year. Enforcement of Wisconsin's safety belt law is very important, however education plays a significant part in changing attitudes of all ages.

Members of the Wisconsin Troopers' Association are pleased to provide WTA "Buckle Up" trooper teddy bears to children knowing the influence these youngsters will have on their parents while riding in vehicles. Studies have shown when an adult in a vehicle does not wear safety belts, usage among children drop to nearly 30 percent.

To bring the little convincer program to your area, contact the Wisconsin State Patrol District that includes your county. If you have any comments on this program, please contact your local State Patrol District or the Wisconsin Troopers' Association, Inc., at 1-800-232-1392. We'd be delighted to hear from you!

Child Safety Seat Check

Armed with the new "Buckle Up" trooper teddy bears, the Wisconsin Troopers' Association teamed up with the Fox Valley Safe Kids organization and Bergstrom Chevrolet to help promote safety belt use amongst children. On Saturday, February 16th, volunteers were granted the use of the automobile dealership's service department to complete car seat safety checks and educate parents about the need to properly secure children when riding in vehicles. Approximately 15 Fox Valley Safe Kids members checked over sixty vehicles for proper car seat installation, while two Troopers' Association volunteers used the 'Little Convincer' to teach kids about safety belt use.

According to Director Lisa Voss, Fox Valley Safe Kids is part of a greater nationwide accidental injury prevention group. Their aim is to help prevent the unintentional injuries that can be caused by automobile crashes, chemical burns, and fires. During the car seat check at Bergstrom Chevrolet, numerous safety concerns were found, including improper sized seats, recalled seats, and seats that were simply defective. Also of concern were the several instances wherein parents came to the dealership to have their infant seats inspected, only to learn that an older child also with them required a booster seat. These parents simply did not know about the need, and were sold booster seats at cost.

While Ms. Voss and her team helped parents learn how to properly secure their children, Troopers' Association volunteers presented "Little Convincer" demonstrations. These activities were aimed at showing kids first hand the importance of listening to their parents in fastening their safety belts. In addition, participating children were given the Association's new "Buckle Up" trooper teddy bear and shown how the bear has his safety belt properly buckled. The bears, which are funded solely through private donations, have proven to be a great tool in reminding kids about the importance of safety belt use. The Wisconsin Trooper's Association would like to thank Fox Valley Safe Kids Director Lisa Voss and Bergstrom Chevrolet Sales Manager Joel West for allowing our members to participate in this important day. The "Little Convincer" and safety belt bears truly had an impact on the parents and children who came through the safety seat check.

Volunteers take time out for a pose at Bergstrom Chevrolet of Appleton