L-R, Lowndes County Health Department staffers, Carmen Moore and Cynthia Sharper, and Valdosta Police Patrolman Joe Gosseck.

Three Lowndes County residents were presented a 2012 Buckle Up, America! Award at a ceremony held at the Georgia Secretary of State's office in Macon. The award was presented by the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute (GTIPI), a part of The University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

The Buckle Up, America! Awards recognizes individuals, agencies, community and civic groups who work to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities in Georgia through involvement with traffic safety, seat belt and child safety seat awareness initiatives.

"The 2012 Awards Ceremony was designed to publicly thank traffic safety advocates for all that they have done to support traffic safety initiatives," said Frankie Jones, the institute's director. "These award winners focus on seat belts, child passenger safety and teen driving programs in the local community and across the State of Georgia," she said.

Carmen Moore and Cynthia Sharper were presented the award for their impact through Lowndes County Health Department. Patrolman Joe Gosseck was recognized for his impact through the Valdosta Police Department.

This year's nominees were also recognized for taking an active role in promoting injury prevention in the field of traffic safety, including legislative activities, injury prevention initiatives and through media.

For more information about the Buckle Up, America! Awards, or for more information about traffic safety, child safety seats, teen driving, and older driver resources, visit The University of Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute's website at www.ridesafegeorgia.org.

-Story by Courtney Sheeley, Public Information Officer, South Health District