Two Waterloo Groups Teaming Up On Effort To Improve Traffic Safety

When it comes to traffic safety, there are no magical solutions that guarantee an accident-free journey. But knowing what to do while driving, riding, biking and walking can go a long way in preventing deaths and injuries.

To that end, two Waterloo-area groups are teaming up in an effort to better educate the public on the “dos” and “don’ts” of traffic safety.

Drive Safe Cedar Valley, a local non-profit organization dedicated to changing driving culture, is partnering with the Waterloo Police Department to visit elementary schools in the city and teach children about traffic safety.

Sergeant Brian Hoelscher and his team of will visit first- through third-grade classrooms in Waterloo to talk about safety when riding, driving, biking and walking.

“The police department and many of the elementary schools have embraced our goal to educate our community about traffic safety starting at a young age,” said Mohammad Elahi, traffic engineer for City of Waterloo Traffic Operations. “We hope that learning now will set children up for lifelong safety, and that they will go home and talk to their families about it, too.”

“It’s a nice change of pace to visit the kids,” said Sgt. Hoelscher. “We always look for ways to educate and improve our community, so when Drive Safe approached us with this idea we were happy to join them.”

Sandie Greco, superintendent of traffic operations, said Drive Safe Cedar Valley would like to do similar work in other area schools, but more funding is needed.

“Those who share our passion for instilling traffic safety in future generations can donate at our website,” she noted. “We will continue applying for grants as well.”

Materials and coordination from Greco and Elahi’s team are funded by a small grant, and the police department’s time is volunteered as part of its community service budget.

Drive Safe Cedar Valley began in 2007 as the first public awareness program of its kind in Iowa. To learn more or to donate to the group’s on-going educational and awareness efforts, visit www.DriveSafeCV.org or call 319-291-4440.