The links below contained detailed information for the upcoming 2017 Safe States Alliance Annual Meeting, taking place September 12-14, 2017 in Aurora, Colorado.
Please note:
- A total of five concurrent sessions will take place during the Annual Meeting, and there will be up to five breakouts occurring simultaneously during each of those concurrent sessions. Within each breakout, there will be up to four presentations that take place.
- This online system does not allow us to embed the individual presentations within each breakout. Please note the session presentations listed under each Concurrent Breakout title for associated content.
- The on-site mobile app WILL embed these sessions for ease of use.
- A printable, detailed agenda can be found on the 2017 Annual Meeting website.
- If you have any questions, please contact info@safestates.org
- All session times and locations are tentative and subject to change. Safe States will continue to update these details as changes take place.
Pedestrian Enforcement Details (PED) Pilot Program
Learning Objectives
- Decrease pedestrians crossing at undesirable locations.
- Integrate enforcement strategies into Pedestrian Enforcement Details.
- Decrease fatality and injury through behavior change.
Statement of Purpose
According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) Pedestrians are one of the most at-risk groups of roadway users. While they account for only three percent of all Americans involved in traffic crashes, they represent fourteen percent of all traffic fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities occur more often in urban areas at non-intersections and at night. They also are more likely to occur when either the pedestrian or the driver has been drinking (NCSA).
In Chester County, Pennsylvania, there were two (2) pedestrian fatalities in 2012 and five (5) in 2013 (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, PennDOT). The Chester County Highway Safety Project (CCHSP) recognized the need to enforce crosswalk laws in response to this increase.
Methods/Approach
With approval from PennDot, the CCHSP partnered with the Chester County Sobriety Checkpoint Coordinator and the West Chester Police. A location in the West Chester Borough where many pedestrians cross mid-street was targeted. There are many bars and restaurants in this college town, so many of these young pedestrians are crossing while intoxicated. “No Jaywalking, Use Crosswalk” signage was placed at the location alongside safety cones. Enforcement details were planned two weeks apart in September 2014. The first detail issued warnings, while the second issued citations.
Results
During the first detail, twenty-seven (27) warnings were issued for mid-block crossing; the second detail resulted in (twenty-two) 22 citations for crossing mid-block, a twenty (20) percent decrease. Everyone stopped for warnings had an “I should have known better” attitude. Pedestrian deaths remained at five (5) in 2014 and decreased to three (3) in 2015.
Conclusions & Significance to the Field
Many PEDs focus on citing drivers in high pedestrian areas, however this program solely targeted the pedestrian and encouraged behavior change. This low cost intervention yielded an increase in pedestrian awareness and safety. PennDOT awarded this “Project of the Year” and to serve as a model for others to replicate. Issuing citations consumes more time and resources, especially if the violators argue the citation in court. This makes police departments less likely to participate in the program. This message is still beneficial with only issuing warnings and providing education.
Presenters
Katie Kuffner, MPH, Chester County Health Department
Biography
Katie Kuffner has been a public health educator with the Chester County Health Department’s Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division for 15 years. Katie’s specialty areas include chronic disease prevention and injury prevention amongst youth and elderly populations.
She is a certified Master Trainer for “A Matter of Balance”, an evidence based falls prevention program. Katie received her Masters in Public Health from West Chester University where she also instructs courses for the undergraduate and graduate Public Health Program. Katie is a member of Chester County Safe Kids Coalition and has been a SAFE STATES member since 2012.