Community Safety (Accident and Injury Prevention)
In FY 2025, AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health educators and volunteers conducted more than 2,500 educational events focused on improving community safety by preventing injuries and accidental deaths, resulting in over 82,600 direct contacts. The following programs illustrate the potentially lifesaving work being done across the state of Texas.
Passenger Safety and KidSafe Initiatives
The Passenger Safety and KidSafe (PSKS) program works to reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle crashes by increasing the correct use of child safety restraints across Texas. While PSKS serves families statewide, the program prioritizes support for low-income and minority families, who often face barriers to access, including the cost of appropriate child safety seats. Project-trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians deliver education through hands-on demonstrations, teaching parents and caregivers how to properly install and use child safety seats. PSKS also operates Child Safety Seat Fitting Stations at County Extension Offices, fire and EMS departments, and law enforcement agencies—providing families with
convenient access to certified technicians who inspect installations, answer questions, and help ensure children are safely restrained. When needed, replacement car seats are provided at no cost during check-up events and fitting station appointments. In FY 2025, PSKS conducted 636 educational programs, reaching more than 14,400 Texas families. Technicians inspected 2,444 child safety seats and distributed 1,887 new car seats to families in need. In addition, 93 Child Safety Seat Technicians were trained, expanding local capacity to deliver lifesaving education and services across the state.
I was rear ended at 50 MPH. My son was in the back seat and he wasn’t injured. Thank you for all your patience in answering my questions and giving me advice. You are the reason he was in that seat. I’m literally in tears typing this because I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”
“This has changed my perspective on life and the way I live it. I never listened to people who told me about things like this, but seeing someone who has to live through it has changed how I view everything.”
Watch UR BAC
AgriLife Extension’s Watch UR BAC project helps Texans understand the dangers of impaired driving, underage drinking, and drug-impaired driving. Through hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, the program engages youth, adults, and professionals to promote safe decision-making and responsible choices. Watch UR BAC partners with schools, community coalitions, and law enforcement agencies to expand access to prevention education and resources across both urban and rural communities. Together, these partnerships support safer behaviors, reduce risk, and contribute to healthier Texas communities. In FY
2025, the Watch UR BAC team conducted more than 545 educational events, reaching over 61,000 participants statewide.
I will apply this information not only to my life but to the lives of others. I want to be the person that saves a loved one’s life even if it is uncomfortable or scary to do so.”
Mature Driver Program
AgriLife Extension’s Mature Driver Program (MDP) equips motorists age 55 and older with the knowledge and tools needed to remain safe on the road for as long as possible and to make informed decisions about their driving future. In FY 2025, MDP reached more than 9,000 participants through 176 educational presentations and events. Program delivery was supported by key partnerships with senior centers, churches, health care providers, and law enforcement agencies.
I was amazed at what I didn’t know and have made several changes since the program.”