Cuyahoga County has historically had one of the worst seat belt usage rates in the state of Ohio. In 1998, Cuyahoga ranked second among the state?s 88 counties in crash rates, but a dismal 80th in seat belt use. The Buckle Down Cleveland campaign was designed to increase seat belt and car seat use and decrease motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries among the 1.8 million residents of Cuyahoga County.

Led by the Injury Prevention division of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children?s Hospital, Buckle Down Cleveland took shape in 1998 as a collaborative, community-wide program. This grassroots effort has mobilized media, health care personnel, local businesses, law enforcement, safety forces and a cadre of dedicated volunteers to address car seat and seat belt safety issues with schools, day care centers, senior centers and community groups throughout the county. The campaign?s costumed mascot, Karrie Kangaroo, has been a big hit with children and families, sharing the message that all motor vehicle occupants?big or small?need to be safely secured.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety?s latest annual survey reveals that seat belt use in Cuyahoga County has risen from 54 percent in 1998 to 59 percent in 1999 and 61 percent in 2000. Although the county still ranks below the statewide average of 65 percent and national average of 70 percent, the increase demonstrates the value of targeted programs to promote safety belt usage. We?re proud that Clevelanders have banded together to make the campaign a success, but we still have much to do?so Buckle Down, Cleveland!