Drive Smart Weld County

 

 

Tailgate the Safety Way has been in existence since 2003.  Sue Helfrich from Allstate Insurance spearheads the event which continues to grow every year.  Check out the photos below to see a few
of the 2011 activities and plan to attend in 2012!

 

 

 

To raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving, celebrity drivers, such as coaches, school teachers and elected officials, are invited to participate. Wearing “Fatal Vision Goggles” which simulate drunk driving, they drive an Anshor driver’s education car around a road course lined with orange cones and check out the damage when they are finished!  Weld County Commissioner Bill Garcia is shown right before he dons the goggles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A similar option using a golf cart is available for others to experience driving while impaired by the fatal vision goggles. Both events have co-pilots along for a safer ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Colorado State Patrol brings their Rollover Simulator to illustrate the importance of wearing seatbelts. In fatal crashes, 75% of passenger car occupants who were ejected from the vehicle were killed. The Rollover Simulator dramatically shows the difference a seat belt makes in keeping the dummy securely inside the body of the car, even while rolling over and over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a collision between a car and a train, the car always loses. A badly damaged car, which was hit by a train, shows how important it is to stop, look and listen when crossing train tracks; sponsored by Colorado Operation Lifesaver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other vehicles involved in traffic crashes have been placed on trailers as educational displays.  Survivors are sometimes there to tell the story of the crash whether it ended safely or in the death of a loved one.  These displays are always moving. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This photo shows what is left of a motorcycle that crashed. Bethany  was killed while riding as a passenger on this motorcycle.  Bethany and her friend had been drinking and were not wearing helmets.  Her family has donated the motorcycle to DRIVE SMART and her mother and friend who survived with critical injuries speak to youth about making smart choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you Spot the Tot?  NCMC Banner Health encouraged drivers to climb into the vehicle and, just like in the big rig, find out just how much they can't see when in the drivers seat.  Drivers came away with the resolve to walk around the vehicle before getting in to drive and to always be very careful when backing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are always many fun things for  children to see and do as they learn about making wise choices.  Here Vince and Larry, the Crash Test Dummies, strike a pose.  Colorado Representative Dave Hall and Colton Cline were the mystery men behind the masks this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First responders to traffic crashes had exhibits at Tailgate the Safety Way.  Weld County Paramedics displayed the equipment used on the scene of traffic crashes and Union Colony Fire demonstrated a fire trucks' capabilities and vehicle extrication.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Airlife of Greeley flew their helicopter into a nearby sports field and talked about their role in saving lives through quick response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The No Zone Truck allows people to climb inside for a first-hand look at what a truck driver can NOT see and it's a lot!  Cars are parked along side and behind. Participants come away with a better understanding of how to drive around big rigs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SIMBA simulated driving classroom is always a popular experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A sheriff deputy gives an exciting presentation of how he works with his canine partner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s a Tailgate party without food? The Greeley Lions Club and Boy Scouts cooked up hamburgers and brats for participants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The car seat check point was busy all day as technicians checked car seats to ensure that they were installed correctly and were the appropriate seat for the child. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greeley Police Department's Motorcycle is always a popular station.   Participants can get their photo taken with the motorcycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The airbag deployment demonstration always attracts a crowd.  Most participants don't realize the power of a deployment explosion and the ensuing "smoke" which is actually a powder that drifts out following the release of the airbag.  Many people involved in a crash where the airbag is deployed think the vehicle is on fire when, in actuality, it is the powder from the airbag.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Weld County Sheriff Mobile Command Center was a very popular stop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Evans Police Department was on hand to talk with participants and let them see the patrol cars up close.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are many vendors who have informative displays.  Participants receive a punch on their participant card that allows them to be eligible for an iPod drawing.

 

 

 

 

 

The Blood Mobile is at the event for those who want to donate blood.  Many gallons of blood are needed for crash survivors.