state officers and one university officer who died in a motor-vehicle incident in the state of Georgia . The officers were predominantly white males ( n = 21 ; 57 %) and the average age was 40 years with an average of 12 years of service in law enforcement .
Motor-Vehicle Collisions Involving Multiple Vehicles Among the seventeen fatal motor-vehicle collisions in Georgia , five occurred when officers were responding to calls for service ( 29 %), four occurred while transporting prisoners ( 24 %), two occurred while officers were on patrol ( 11 %), four occurred while officers were driving home ( 24 %), one during an administrative assignment ( 6 %), and one while the officer was sitting in a vehicle during a traffic stop ( 6 %). In the seventeen fatal motor-vehicle collisions , eleven resulted in only the death of the officer who was driving , four involved the death of the driving officer as well as injuring others in the event , and two collisions involved the death of the driving officer and his law enforcement partner . Most officers were driving a sedan at the time of their death ( n = 13 , 86 %). Of the seventeen collisions , five involved a sports-utility vehicle ( 29 %), three involved vans or pick-up trucks ( 18 %), five involved tractor trailers ( 29 %), three involved sedans ( 18 %), and one was unknown ( 6 %). Seven collisions occurred at night ( 41 %), one occurred at dusk ( 6 %), and the remaining occurred during daytime hours ( 53 %). In three of the collisions , poor weather conditions appeared to play a role in the fatality ( wet roads ) ( 18 %). Five of the seventeen incidents involved a felonious action on the part of the suspect driver ( 29 %). Nine officers were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the fatal collision ( 53 %). Data on the speed of the patrol car and the use of emergency lights and sirens was not fully captured .
Single Vehicle Collisions When looking at the circumstances of the twelve fatal single-vehicle crashes , six involved officers who were responding to calls for service ( 50 %), three officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit ( 25 %), and three were performing administrative duties or on patrol ( 25 %). Eight of the single-vehicle crashes were roll-overs ( 67 %). Nine occurred at nighttime ( 75 %). Eight officers were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash ( 67 %). In only one case did poor weather conditions appear to play a role ( ice ) ( 8 %).
Struck-by Incidents For the seven struck-by fatalities , two occurred while the officer was working a traffic crash ( 29 %), two during traffic control duties ( 29 %), one during a traffic stop ( 14 %), one while assisting stranded motorists ( 14 %), and one during officer-required physical training ( 14 %). All occurred in clear and dry weather conditions . Three fatalities occurred during daylight hours ( 43 %), three occurred at night ( 43 %), and one occurred at dusk ( 14 %). Five of the seven struck by incidents involved a felonious action on the part of the suspect driver ( 71 %). Three of the seven were due to impaired drivers ( drugs or alcohol ) ( 43 %). Two of the officers were struck by tractor trailers or pickup trucks ( 29 %) and the remaining were struck by sedans ( 71 %). Data on the use of high-visibility equipment and gear was not fully captured .
What Agencies Can Do to Mitigate Officer-Involved Collisions There is significant incentive for law enforcement agencies and their respective governments to reduce crashes , beyond the tragedies encompassed in these cases . The cost of lost workdays , injury rehabilitation and repairing or replacing damaged police vehicles suggests that law enforcement executives should pay attention . In conducting this review of Georgia ’ s fatal crash data , some concerning data were discovered regarding the use of occupant restraints . Of the 29 MVCs , 58 % of the deceased officers were not wearing their seatbelt at the time of their crash ( n = 17 ).
There are several programs and concepts that have been successful in preventing crashes in law enforcement . Some of these programs have been scientifically evaluated and others are available to agencies at no cost . One example of a successful crash prevention program used a multi-faceted approach through enhanced driver training , increased safety awareness ( Below-100 ) and monitoring deputies ’ speed . The Yolo County , California Sheriff ’ s Office ( YCSO ) experienced several at-fault crashes , which took a toll on personnel , the fleet , and their bottom line . The Sheriff began a new program to reward safe driving , mandated seat belt use , and had patrol super-
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