Representatives from Towson University were recognized by the Maryland Highway Safety Office at State Highway Administration and the Maryland Committee For Safety Belt Use, Inc. for exemplary seat belt use by their employees throughout 2003. The awards ceremony, which took place at the BWI Airport Marriott on February 3, 2004, featured special recognition of businesses, schools, religious institutions, and agencies after at least 85% of their populations were observed wearing seat belts.
To qualify for the award, participants conducted two observational seat belt surveys in the various lots on the campus during regular business hours. These surveys were spaced at least 30 days apart to indicate sustained usage rates, and were conducted according to guidelines provided by the Maryland Highway Safety Office at SHA. Many of the surveys were submitted in conjunction with the Maryland Chiefs? Challenge campaign, a two-month law enforcement-based public education initiative to raise awareness of the life seat use. The Maryland Chiefs? Challenge campaign and the Maryland Pacesetters program have assisted Maryland in achieving one of the highest seat belt use rates in the country, with nearly 88 percent of Maryland motorists buckling up.
Towson University staff and faculty members working at the Enrollment Services Building were recognized with a certificate for demonstrating an 85% usage rate. Faculty and staff members at the Administration Building were recognized for achieving a 90% usage rate. Towson University Police Officers and civilian employees were rewarded with a certificate for attaining a 95% usage rate. ?We recognize the importance of our employees? safety, and proper use of seat belts and child safety seats is one simple step that we all can take to maintain that safety?, said Detective George Morgan, Program Coordinator. ?The Pacesetter Award is one way in which we can recognize our entire community for taking that vital step to help protect themselves in a crash.?
