Welcome to Safety City - Accident Prevention Education for Children

Accidents claim the lives of more children than any other cause. Each year approximately 8,000 youngsters are seriously injured or killed in accidents nationwide. Routine activities such as walking down the street, riding a bike, or even travelling in a school bus can yield tragic, unexpected results. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented if the children had only known of the dangers and how to deal with them. In 1987 the Bluegrass Junior Women's Club proposed a program to combat this problem head-on. The goal was to educate children in safety through positive means of explanation, demonstration, and practice. Gaining praise and monetary support from government, businesses and schools, the Safety City project was born.

A Special Place to Learn

Safety City occupies a 2 acre site at Red Mile Place. There is a classroom building and, to the delight of the children, a "mini-city" where practical exercises take place. This scaled-down version of Lexington is complete with a courthouse, fast food restaurant, library, office building and subdivision. The paved streets and sidewalks are lined with trees, flowers and shrubs. Working traffic signals blink at the intersections, and traffic signs guide pedestrians and motorists along the streets. As an added incentive, battery powered 'mini-cars' traveling at 3 mph are used so children may experience vehicle safety firsthand.

Police Officers Are People Who Care

Shiny badges and familiar blue uniforms greet the children at Safety City. As two officers talk with the class about accidents and safety, a special rapport develops. The authority figures become less intimidating as they gain the children's respect and trust.

Second graders from all Fayette County public and private schools attend the course. This age group was chosen because, according to educators, that is the level at which children begin to use reasoning powers.

What We Teach

The 4 1/2 hour course as developed by the Bureau of Community Services, Division of Police, with the help of Fayette County Public Schools. Topics covered include:

• Pedestrian Safety
• Bicycle Safety
• Passenger Safety
• School Bus Safety
• Fire Safety
• Dangerous Strangers
• Emergency Phone Calls
• General Safety

Classroom instruction is informal and upbeat. Discussion between the officers and students is encouraged. A fun filled activity book reinforces safety lessons taught by the officers, while visual aids such as films, slides and classroom displays keep the children interested. There are even demonstration bicycles and seat belts so the children may test their skills.

Child-sized structures on the streets of Safety City make the children feel right at home. Closely monitored walking trips allow students to put their pedestrian safety skills to use. The highlight of the session comes when each child gets behind the wheel of a shiny new mini-car and heads down the road. Hopefully, the driver will be able to obey all the rules of the road avoiding any collisions with classmates.

A Model Program

Lexington is proud to offer Safety City as the first facility of its type in Kentucky. There are others in the country, but none of this quality or magnitude. The extensive architecture and landscaping, not to mention the working traffic lights and mini-cars, make Safety City an excellent, high-profile community investment.

You are invited to come and experience this enthusiasm first-hand. Safety City is a remarkable facility that is interesting and educational to both adults and children. You will leave not only more safety conscious, but also certain that such an undertaking does make a difference in the lives of children.

For more information contact:

Bureau of Community Services
(859) 258-3636