May 6, 2011 

On April 28, the NTSB participated in Take Your Child To Work Day.   To learn about the Agency’s mission in a hands-on manner, the children investigated age-appropriate transportation accidents as junior NTSB investigators. 

The elementary school kids investigated a bicycle accident, the middle school kids investigated a skateboarding accident, and the high school students analyzed a car accident involving a pedestrian.  Each investigative team examined the vehicles, interviewed the victims and witnesses, and identified a probable cause and safety recommendations for their accidents.  To cap off their day, the children presented their findings to, and answered questions from, the NTSB Board Members.  In addition to the accident investigations, throughout the day there were numerous safety demonstrations and transportation activities for the students.  As a result of these activities, the children (and family members of the NTSB staff) not only gained a better appreciation for the NTSB’s mission, but also learned valuable safety lessons.  

The participation from the NTSB staff, volunteers, and family members was truly overwhelming.  Approximately 60 members of the staff participated in the planning and execution of the day’s activities and 94 children attended.

A special thanks goes to all of those who helped out with the event and, in particular, to Shannon Bennett, the co-chair of the planning committee, for her invaluable leadership and inspiration.