Effectiveness of the Indiana 4-H tractor program at instilling safe tractor operating behaviors and attitudes in youth

J Agric Saf Health. 2000 Aug;6(3):179-89. doi: 10.13031/2013.1912.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine what impact the Indiana 4-H Tractor Program has had on safer tractor operating behavior and attitudes of participants and to provide recommendations for program improvement. To assess the impact, 108 non 4-H youth who reported they operated a tractor regularly were compared with 104 4-H Tractor Program participants. A single skilled evaluator observed each individual in the two groups as she/he operated a tractor through a standard tractor-operating course. Information on recent tractor-related injury history and attitudes toward tractor safety was gathered using a written survey. Results showed that the program has had both a perceived and demonstrable positive influence; however, a need for improvements was also shown. Most significant of the findings was that participants in the 4-H Tractor Program were observed to operate tractors in a safer and more skillful manner. Even though the 4-H Tractor Program participants reported substantially more exposure time to tractor operation, they did not report a significantly different injury experience in comparison to the non-participants. Responses from the 4-H program participants, however, indicated a trend toward having more tractor-related close call incidents. There was no significant difference between the two groups in their attitudes toward tractor safety. Program recommendations developed as a result of the study primarily related to the need for updating instructional material used in the 4-H Tractor Program and the need for additional training and resources for volunteer leaders.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational / prevention & control*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Agriculture / instrumentation*
  • Attitude
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indiana
  • Male
  • Motor Vehicles*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Safety*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires