Texas Safe Community Coalition News

Coalition Name: Nueces County Safe Communities Coalition

Coalition Funding Source: (Examples, external grants: TxDOT, TDPH, Johnson Foundation, external agency: Texas Cooperative Extension, Gonzales Fire Department, or internal examples: self-funded, in-kind gifts, volunteers) The Coalition is supported by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi.

County or Geographic Boundary: Nueces County, Texas

Mission Statement: Provide premier community support through enhancement of mental, emotional, and physical safety with awareness programs, activities, and education. This support will be based on analysis and ongoing collection of data related to safety needs and efforts in Nueces County. Collaborate with other groups and coalitions to meet our common goal of achieving a Safe Community in Nueces County.

Six safety issues were identified in 2002 as priorities: the need for improved signage, increased use of occupant safety devices, reduction of DWI, reduction of incidents of speeding, reduction of incidents of aggressive driving, and reduction of incidents of distracted driving.

Coalition Representation Background: (Please describe the membership of your coalition)

The coalition derives membership from law enforcement, health and medical agencies, non-profit organizations in the areas of crime prevention, victim services, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, safety services, and others, educational institutions, the military, businesses, and faith based organizations. Participation is open to the general public for those not representing an organization.

Injury/Fatality Data Sources: Data have been collected from the Texas Department of Public Safety, police and Sheriff’s departments, hospitals, the Texas Department of Health, and the local RAC. In 2000 and 2002, surveys of Nueces County residents were completed to derive information about risk behavior, safety knowledge, and experience with motor vehicle crashes, crime, and home accidents. Observational studies have been conducted of occupant protection device use.

Public Information and Education and Other Program Activities:

The Coalition members engage in sponsorship of workshops, forums, conferences, and professional training. Many of the member organizations produce public education materials and most engage in distribution of such materials. Child car safety seat checks and distributions are held with Coalition participation. Law enforcement members engage in special traffic enforcement activities. Presentations are available on a wide variety of injury prevention topics from Coalition members. The Nueces County Driver Safety Public Education Initiative from TAMU—CC produces and distributes public education materials, creates and provides presentations to high schools, colleges, and community groups, participates in health and safety fairs, and assists in projects sponsored by Coalition members.

Program Outcome Measurements: (Coalition Successes - Describe successful traffic safety programming and activities which can include anecdotal statements.)

The City of Corpus Christi has received Statewide recognition in 2003 for its improvement in and high level of seatbelt use. Both the police enforcement efforts and the Coalition/Project’s public education efforts have contributed to this success.

Evaluation Tool: (Describe the evaluation tool(s) used to measure change. (i.e. survey design, pre/post community traffic measurements, observational surveys, tests, questionnaires, focus group, user interface rating tool or evaluation report)

Contact Person: (If applicable, please include the Traffic Safety Specialist in your Texas Department of Transportation District)

E-Mail: philip.rhoades@mail.tamucc.edu or esefcik@falcon.tamucc.ed