The four honorees, who will receive their awards at the NSC Defensive Driving Awards Banquet Saturday evening in San Diego are American Family Insurance, Madison, WI, Harry D. Jacobs High School, Algonquin, IL,  National Organizations for Youth Safety, Gainesville, VA, and Teens in the Driver Seat, College Station, TX.

“Many organizations and individuals are taking significant actions to save the lives of our teens and those who share the roads with them,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council.  ”These honorees were selected from nominees across the nation based on their demonstrated commitment and the measurable impact they had on changing behaviors, enhancing public understanding of the issue and advocating proven prevention strategies.”

“General Motors is pleased to work with the National Safety Council to recognize those who are making important contributions to teen driver safety,” said Michael Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. ”GM commends the winners of these awards and hopes their example will inspire others to make a difference in saving lives.”

Highlights of the four winners and their programs include:

American Family Insurance

Through its “Teen Safe Driver Program,” the company has provided, free to its insured families, a video feedback program (using the DriveCam system) in which parents can watch the actual driving actions of their teens. The program was validated by scientists at the University of Iowa to produce a 70% reduction in risky driving behavior.

Harry D. Jacobs High School

The Jacobs Safety Initiative includes several school and community projects that raised awareness of driving issues for junior high and high school students. Among the measurable results of the program was an increase in safety belt use among teens in the community, from 70% to 97% in three years.

National Organizations for Youth Safety

NOYS has reached more than 220,000 youth and more than 6,000 schools, with web-based educational resources for teens and parents. NOYS advocates proven strategies that save lives, such as Graduated Driver Licensing laws. NOYS uses teens to influence their peers on issues such as underage drinking, safety belt use and distracted driving.

Teens in the Driver Seat

A program of the Texas Transportation Institute, the TDS peer-to-peer safety program for young drivers has reached more than 400,000 people in 350 schools across Texas. The program has achieved measurable behavior changes and crash reductions. TDS also advocated for improved Graduated Driver Licensing laws in Texas, which were enacted in 2009.

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

• Physical—This occurs when an elder is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning, or other show of force.
• Sexual—This involves forcing an elder to take part in a sexual act when the elder does not or cannot consent.
• Emotional—This refers to behaviors that harm an elder’s self-worth or emotional well being. Examples include name calling, scaring, embarrassing, destroying property, or not letting the elder see friends and family.
• Neglect—This is the failure to meet an elder’s basic needs. These needs include food, housing, clothing, and medical care.
• Abandonment—This happens when a caregiver leaves an elder alone and no longer provides care for him or her.
• Financial—This is illegally misusing an elder’s money, property, or assets.

Why is elder maltreatment a public health problem?
Elder maltreatment is a serious problem in the United States. There is a lack of data but what we do know is that:

• In 1996, 551,000 persons ages 60 and older were the victim of elder abuse, neglect, and/or self-neglect in domestic settings.

Many cases are not reported because elders are afraid to tell police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims have to decide: tell someone they are being hurt or continue being abused by someone they depend upon or care for deeply

How does elder maltreatment affect health?
Elder maltreatment can have several physical and emotional effects on an elder.
Many victims suffer physical injuries. Some are minor like cuts, scratches, bruises, and welts. Others are more serious and can cause lasting disabilities. These include head injuries, broken bones, constant physical pain, and soreness. Physical injuries can also lead to premature death and make existing health problems worse.
Elder maltreatment can have emotional effects as well. Victims are often fearful and anxious. They may have problems with trust and be wary around others.

Who is at risk for elder maltreatment?
Several factors can increase the risk that someone will hurt an elder. However, having these risk factors does not always mean violence will occur.
Some of the risk factors for hurting an elder include:

• Using drugs or alcohol, especially drinking heavily
• High levels of stress
• Lack of social support
• High emotional or financial dependence on the elder
• Lack of training in taking care of elders
• Depression

Elder maltreatment is a significant public health problem. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. In the United States alone, over 500,000 older adults are believed to be abused or neglected each year. These statistics are likely an underestimate because many victims are unable or afraid to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

There are six types of maltreatment that occur in people over the age of 60. These include:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Financial Abuse

Working to prevent elder maltreatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to prevent violence before it occurs. Our activities include:

• Documenting the extent of the problem;
• Conducting research on the factors that put people at risk or protect them from violence;
• Creating and evaluating the effectiveness of prevention programs;
• Helping state and local partners plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programs; and
• Conducting research on the effective adoption and dissemination of prevention strategies.

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