On October 8, 2019 in Campbell County in Eastern KY, an ATV accident claimed the life of its 17 year old driver.  The 17 year old and 18 year old passenger were going up a steep embankment when the ATV flipped throwing them both.  The driver hit his head and the ATV rolled on top of him.  Neither were wearing helmets.  The young man killed was the vice president of his junior class, an FFA officer and skeet team member.          

            The above news release more often than not is common place in the state of Kentucky.  According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, from January 1, 1982 to December 31, 2017 KY reported 692 ATV fatalities across the state ranking them 5^th in the Nation.

            Fortunately many county extension agents across the state have partnered with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, to host numerous “Safety Days” in their local communities.   2019 marked the 25^th Anniversary for the foundation who working with volunteers have impacted over 1.8 million youth and adults.  The Hardin County Extension Office recently reached a milestone of 11 years providing 4^th grade students the opportunity to participate in the “Safety Day” program.   

            This year six elementary schools representing over 445 students & teachers, attended the two day event where they rotated among Tractor/lawn mower; Call Before you Dig 811; Fire, ATV, Water, Fire Arm, Disability Awareness, Dog and Electrical Safety.  Thanks to many community, business and homemaker volunteers donating their time and talent to make this happen.  In addition high school students from three local FFA Chapters served as group leaders and assisted in setting up the event.

            One of the instructors who has helped for several years commented about behavioral changes we see in the younger generation.  Her comments were that youth today are constantly being distracted and therefore DO NOT pay attention to what is going on around them.   Therefore she focused on teaching them to be a “PA” kid, pay attention kid, to avoid safety mishaps.  

            Youth not only learned important safety lessons and interacted with instructors but they also took home a goody bag filled with a wealth of safety resources for their families.  In addition all participants received a safety day t-shirt provided by the Progressive Ag Foundation.  These items are free thanks to the contributions of many corporate sponsors.  It is estimated that it takes only $13 to send a child to a safety day program.  This program is definitely a win/win for County Extension Offices across the state to be able to network at a national level as well as the local level benefiting those within their communities.