NCJ Number
70030
Date Published
1980
Length
379 pages
Annotation
Significant research is presented on traffic accidents, drivers, and enforcement techniques that could lead to successful accident prevention programs.
Abstract
Beginning with an exploration of the concept of traffic accidents as a social problem, the book describes the magnitude of the problem in terms of property damages, insurance administration costs, and medical services. The police commitment to traffic services is compared to their commitment to other law enforcement concerns; and a policy of planned programming for increased highway safety is advocated. Coverage of police management of traffic accident prevention programs begins with a discussion of police information utilization, including descriptions of methods for using reported traffic data in the planning and management of local and national traffic accident prevention programs. An examination of the concept of organizing a specialized traffic enforcement unit separate from the patrol function is presented, and the kinds of grants available to local police agencies for such traffic programs is described. Next, special attention is given to the selection of appropriate traffic law enforcement vehicles, the criteria being productivity, visibility, deterrence capability, operating costs, and other concerns of vehicle performance. A discussion of research that has identified predominant characteristics of drivers involved in traffic accidents precedes an examination of the purpose and results of traffic arrests. The actual relationship between traffic arrests and traffic accidents is outlined. The final chapters focus on the technical and operational aspects of traffic accident prevention programs, such as increased patrol and methods of selective traffic enforcement. Evaluations of specific police agency programs which have used these techniques are included to delineate the potentials and limitations of each technique. Tables, photographs, explanatory chapter notes, and a subject index are provided. (Author abstract modified)