A sign of the times: Think signs at sites of alcohol-related fatalities

Abstract

D espi te the enac tment of strong legislation perta ining to drunken driving and efforts relating to education, enforcement, and rehabilitation, Vermont has seen very little reduct ion in deaths and injuries from alcohol-related crashes. Tackling the problem of drinking and driving is an enormous task for any state. In 1994, legislation was introduced on behalf of Vermont Emergency Nurses CARE (Vermont EN CARE) in the form of a resolution. This resolution, which s ta ted that the Agency of Transportation would place THINK signs at the si tes of alcohol-related fatalities on Vermont roadways, pas sed easily. Starting in 1995, Vermont adop ted this innovat ive idea to increase public awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. Member s of the A g e n c y of Transporta t ion, the Governors Highway Safety Program, and Vermont EN CARE des igned a simple but effective sign (Figure 1), and plans were made for the THINK sign campaign. At the close of a given year, the Governors Highway Safety Program provides a list of alcoholrelated fatalities to the Agency of Transportation and Vermont EN CARE. Members of Vermont EN CARE then notify vict ims' families about the program, ass is t them in arranging a sign unveiling if desired, and help families cope with their tragedy. This notification process also allows family members the opportunity to object to installation of the sign. Any negat ion of the sign is always honored. After careful consideration by the vict ims' families, Vermont EN CARE c o m m u n i c a t e s to the A g e n c y of Transpor ta t ion which signs will be posted. The first year of this campaign in Vermont was successful and taught the overseeing organization, Vermont EN CARE, a great deal about the entire