In 1993, the Claremont Police Department (in suburban Los Angeles) determined that three factors were responsible for most of the traffic crashes and injuries: speeding, right-of-way violations and DUI. In addition, the Department found that there was a strong need for a bicycle education program for young children. Many students were walking or riding bicycles to the seven elementary schools. The program could also cover the new bicycle helmet laws. There seemed to be a clear need for a multi-faceted education and enforcement project.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

A one-year program would be conducted. The program objectives were varied:

• Reduce speed by 10 percent
• Reduce the number of speed-related collisions by 10 percent
• Determine seat belt and child safety seat compliance through surveys
• Conduct traffic safety presentations to elementary school children
• Present bicycle safety training classes for juveniles receiving bicycle-related traffic citations
• Provide bicycle helmets to qualifying low-income families
• Conduct DUI check points, regular DUI enforcement roving patrols and DUI education.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

Speed. Two car-mounted and two hand-held radar units were added to increase enforcement of speed-related violations. A portable radar trailer (displaying the speed of passing vehicles) was deployed four days a week in high speed locations. Information about the speed reduction program was presented at Neighborhood Watch meetings. Speed reduction signs ("Watch Your Speed - We Do") were placed along the highways.

Occupant Protection. Six seat belt and child safety seat surveys were conducted, surveying 1,694 occupants in 1,167 vehicles. A specially-designed traffic safety trailer was purchased to help with the surveys. The survey locations were chosen to reach city residents, not commuters. Patrol officers were trained in occupant protection. Occupant protection education was included in elementary school and Neighborhood Watch presentations. "Drive Smart" highway signs were installed.

Bicycle Safety. Bicycle rodeos were the vehicle for the elementary school traffic safety presentations which covered bicycle safety, bicycle helmets and seat belts. The lecture portion was followed by a skills test. Bicycles were inspected and licensed. Everyone received a bicycle helmet brochure and a participation award. Over 920 helmets were distributed to students who could not afford one. A two-hour class on bicycle safety was offered to juveniles in lieu of going to court on a citation. Successful completion of the class resulted in a dismissal of the citation.

DUI Enforcement. Four DUI check points were conducted, at which DUI brochures and "Drive Smart" key chains were distributed to over 4,000 drivers. Patrol officers were encouraged to enforce DUI laws consistently and assertively.

RESULTS

The one-year program had the following results:

• Average speed was reduced 13 percent
• Speed-related collisions were reduced 15 percent
• Enforcement of occupant protection violations increased 143 percent
• Seat belt and child safety seat compliance was 98 percent
• 1,701 traffic safety presentations were made to elementary students
• 62 juveniles attended bicycle safety training classes in lieu of court
• DUI arrests increased more than 53 percent.

The bicycle rodeos, use of radar and checkpoints are ongoing. DUI education is included in the DARE program in elementary schools.