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Seattle Launches Super Safe Comic Series at Comicon

 

Become a Superhero of Our Streets

Become a Superhero of Our Streets
(click for larger image)

 

Today the City of Seattle launches the first edition of the Super Safe comic series at the Emerald City Comicon (March 1 – 3, Washington State Convention Center).

The comic is being released as part of the City’s Road Safety Action Plan and Be Super Safe Seattle campaign initiated by Mayor McGinn to eliminate fatal and serious injury collisions on our streets. Containing stories, tips and information about the three leading contributing factors in fatal collisions in Seattle – speeding, distraction and impairment – the comic is targeted at young male drivers.  Collision data clearly indicates that young men, ages 16 to 30, are involved in serious collisions far too often. In Washington state,

  • 85 percent of drivers killed in collisions involving speeding were males with 56 percent of those individuals under the age of 30,
  • 77 percent of drivers killed in collisions involving distraction were males with nearly 40 percent of those drivers under age 30, and
  • Males were driving in 83 percent of all fatal collisions involving impairment with 42 percent of those drivers between the ages of 16 to 30.

The comic book format is being used in an effort to connect with this demographic group that is notoriously difficult to reach.  The first 3000 visitors at Comicon will receive a copy of the comic. Banners containing safety messages will be placed throughout the Convention Center.  Hardcopies of the comic will be distributed at driving schools, pediatrician and other medical offices, as well as schools and community centers throughout the city.  Download the entire comic at our website: http://www.seattle.gov/beSuperSafe/campaign.htm

Local artists James Klauser, Billy S. Patton, and Erik Thompson from Bullseye Creative are responsible for creating the vibrant, eye-catching comic art. 

Stacy and Shawn thought they were staying connected by focusing on their texts more than the road. Find out what happens when you take your hands off the wheel and your eyes and mind off the road. (Click for larger image)

Find out what happens when you take your hands off the wheel and your eyes and mind off the road.
(Click for larger image)

 

This work is just one piece of the City’s larger effort to improve traffic safety for all. Our Road Safety Action Plan outlines the traffic safety issues we’re targeting and identifies specific countermeasures that the city is currently implementing to combat these issues. This includes increased enforcement patrols, roadway improvements, and educational outreach.  Education is a critical component of this work since the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 90 percent of all collisions can be attributed to behavioral issues like speeding, distraction, or impairment.

For more information about the Road Safety Action Plan and Be Super Safe Seattle campaign visit http://www.seattle.gov/besupersafe/ and be sure to show your support for safe streets in Seattle by liking Be Super Safe on Facebook – www.facebook.com/besupersafeseattle