The Impact of Police Officer Presence on Driver Behaviors Within Active School Zones
Child pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain a concern amidst evolving roadway conditions, larger and faster vehicles, and infrastructure deficiencies. While national and local advocacy efforts, such as Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) programs and Vision Zero Washoe County serve to educate pedestrians, school officials, and drivers, pedestrian fatalities and crashes involving Washoe County School District (WCSD) students are still at record levels. The study investigates the effectiveness of law enforcement presence in active school zones on mitigating vehicle speeds, a critical factor in child pedestrian safety. Utilizing LiDAR technology and in collaboration with the Reno Police Department (RPD), the hypothesis is that an officer's presence will cause drivers to significantly reduce their speeds. Three case studies conducted at local schools indicated a modest, though statistically significant, reduction in speeds with officer presence but highlighted challenges in sustaining this effect after the officer's departure, along with variations in driver behaviors based on the officer's chosen post within the school zone. This data underscores the complexity of school zone safety and emphasizes the importance of multifaceted approaches involving law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement.
Child Pedestrian, Enforcement, LiDAR, Police, School Zone
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