Risk Indicator Survey

Objective #4 To pilot test a Risk Indicator Survey to examine the prevalence of key observable behaviours and/or conditions relevant to the policy areas of interest To create a standardized method to observe risk behaviours over time that relate to the five policy areas, at multiple sites representing different geographic, socioeconomic, and rural/urban composition

Policy Indicators - RIS The five policy indicators that will be evaluated and scored are: 1. graduated driver licensing legislation 2. child restraint legislation 3. bicycle helmet legislation

Variables Variables for the Risk Indicator Survey will be selected based upon: significant risk and protective factors that have been documented in the published literature for each injury type; factors associated with higher prevalence of specific risk behaviours (e.g.lower helmet use among teen cyclists and riding with unhelmeted companions, etc.); and the intent to measure compliance with specific elements of each policy (e.g. rear seating position)

Bicycle Helmets Site type: schools bicycle paths major intersections residential streets Variables: Gender Age group: child, teen, adult Helmet: yes/no Riding in a group Riding with helmeted child/adult

Child Restraint Site type: schools daycares roadside parking lots Variables: Age: infant (<1), toddler (1-3), younger child (4-8 years), older child (9-12), teen (12+), adult Gender of driver Type of vehicle (car, truck, van) Restraint status for all passengers Seating position

GDL Site type: high schools roadside parking lots Variables: Seatbelt use by young drivers and passengers Number of passengers with young drivers (and approx. age of passengers) Gender of young drivers Observable distractions (cell phone use, etc.)

Methods PDA-based data collection Web-based reporting to a central site Commercially available software which includes data synchronization and a Web- browser interface for administration tasks Multiple field types are accommodated Compatible with Palm OS or Pocket PC devices

GPS Capability Add GPS coordinates to your forms using an external GPS receiver with the GPS Custom Control (a separate handheld program included with the software that communicates with GPS devices) Pendragon Forms supports data capture directly from GPS receivers that work with Palm OS or Pocket PC devices. The controls can be used with devices with built-in GPS capability such as the Garmin iQue or external receivers.

Site Selection Site type will be standardized Sites will be selected based on the socioeconomic status of the area (e.g. LICO) We will conduct observations in urban/suburban/rural areas Different provincial regions if possible Rural/urban status (e.g. as defined by Transport Canada)

Observers & Training RIS will use summer student research funding/support programs and will be conducted by trainees from participating institutions and partners Training will be web-based

Data Collection Two observers at each site will gather information on multiple risk indicators Pre-determined periods of time to limit double-counting (e.g. 30 minutes for cycling observations) Sites will be observed for two consecutive years, with plans to continue observations with ongoing funding

Pilot study Summer 2007 MICH summer student Selection of software, hardware Pilot observations Other applications of Pendragon Forms