The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2021
Time to Reengage Traffic Safety Efforts
Chief Raymond Davis ( Ret .), NHTSA Region 2 Law Enforcement Liaison
Reducing motor vehicle crash deaths was one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century and good news for communities across the United States . But , despite the restrictiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic , these downward trends have suddenly been reversed . Preliminary data from the National Highway Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) shows fatalities in 2020 are up more than 7 %, compared with 2019 . This dramatic increase in roadway fatalities is the most significant surge since 2007 . The increase occurred even though the total vehicle miles traveled reportedly decreased by 14 %. Preliminary data for the first three months of 2021 show the increase in fatalities rose another 10.5 %, while vehicle miles traveled decreased an additional 2.1 %. These increases come as traffic stops and citations have decreased dramatically . Recent data reveals a traffic enforcement decline of more than 50 % in some states .
With the health and safety of law enforcement officers being paramount , the reduction in enforcement activity during the COVID-19 crisis is understandable . Another concern , which compounds the pandemic effects , is the continual negative narrative towards law enforcement . Law enforcement is most effective when its authority is recognized , supported by the community , and followed willingly . Demonstrating competence , which is recognized and appreciated by those served , is a behavior that can increase law enforcement effectiveness .
Many dedicated officers work to reduce deaths and injuries from traffic crashes . Their efforts can immediately and positively affect traffic-safety management of education , engagement , enforcement , and equity efforts .
Educate the public on traffic crashes and their causes by using ready-made Products for Enforcement Action KITS ( PEAK ) media kits available on the NHTSA website (
TrafficSafetyMarketing . gov ). In addition , many state Highway Safety Offices have similar personalized material available .
Engage the public through diverse groups that are representative of your community . Law enforcement can positively affect traffic fatalities and injuries by developing equitable partnerships with community coalitions and support from traffic safety advocacy groups . Your state highway safety office , AAA , MADD , and law enforcement traffic associations are great resources . Another resource is the law enforcement liaisons ( LEL ) at the state and regional levels . Each NHTSA region has a Regional LEL who can provide information regarding helpful resources for your jurisdiction . Each state has an LEL structure that is also ready to assist law enforcement . You can find contact information for your state on the National Law Enforcement Liaison website at
www . nlelp . org .
Enforce violations that lead to crashes by utilizing your agency ' s data to identify crash contributing factors . The Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety ( DDACTS ) model was recently updated to consider contemporary topics with a focus on changing behaviors that lead to crashes .
Ensure your actions are equitable w ith updated training on new innovative strategies that consider all community members ' protection , quality of life , and economics . One example is the " Lights On !" program that replaces the issuance of a ticket with a repair voucher .
A reengaged , professional , competent law enforcement presence that provides a safe environment is desperately needed . The majority of the public trusts and relies on law enforcement and supports traffic safety efforts . Each current law enforcement officer can change the narrative and instill trust by stemming the rising tide of death and injuries through their demonstrated behavior . Don ' t let them down ; take action to save lives and prevent injuries .
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