Skid Car training, free car seat clinics, and a walk and bike retreat
Deschutes County Oregon -- 4/7/2011 --
April 4 through April 10 is National Public Health Week and the Deschutes County Health Services Department is recognizing the occasion by distributing helpful safety information each day this week. It only takes a minute for an injury to happen – but also just takes a minute to take proactive steps to prevent accidents from happening.
Each day of National Public Health Week highlights an area of our lives where we should focus on safety. Today’s area of focus is preventing injuries while on the move.
Skid Car Training is an all-weather driver enhancement course The Deschutes County’s Skid Car Training Program ($70 per person) teaches students superior vehicle control skills for all types of road conditions. Students learn how to become proactive drivers, to think ahead when driving so they aren’t at risk. Deschutes County’s skid car uses the same technology that Oregon law enforcement, FBI, CIA and the Presidential Protection Detail of the Secret Service uses. The skid car system uses a regular street vehicle mounted on a heavy frame with outriggers. The instructor uses a hydraulic lift and a computer to raise the car; reducing traction on front tires, back tires or both tires. Skid Car certificates make great gifts for new residents and inexperienced drivers. To register for Skid Car Training, please call (541) 385-1749.
Free car seat Safety Clinics offered
Deschutes County Health Services and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) have a new monthly car seat clinic available to the public. Taught by Car Seat Technician Judi Wentz, clinics are held the first Tuesday of each month between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Deschutes County Health Services building, 2577 N. Courtney Drive in Bend. Although appointments are necessary at the clinics for one-on-one assistance, the public is welcome to drop-in to talk about car seats. The next car seat clinic will take place Tuesday, May 3. Call (541) 848-3998 to make an appointment or to ask about other free car safety clinics in Central Oregon.
Walk and Bike Retreat June 16-18: Learn about active transportation Community members interested in learning about creating livable communities through active transportation are invited to attend the Commute Options Walk and Bike Retreat. The retreat is an opportunity to learn how to participate in events such as Kidical Mass, Walk + Bike to School Day, and pedestrian and bike safety events. If you register before May, the cost for the retreat is $10 a day. For more information, please visit www.commuteoptions.org or call (541) 322-7446 or (541) 408-6111.
For more information about National Public Health Week, please visit www.nphw.org/nphw11/first1.htm or call the Deschutes County Health Services Department at (541) 322-7446.
