PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

An analysis of the automobile crash data for the years 1996 through 1998, shows that 50 percent of the crashes occurred in Hall County on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This data also showed that 69 percent of the crashes in Hall County occurred between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sections of seven roadways that statistics show to be high incidence areas will be targeted during these days and time frames. Data shows that these seven crash prone sections of roadway account for 31 percent of the fatalities and 17.7 percent of the A & B type crashes in Hall County from 1996 through 1998. The Special Accident Reduction Officer (SARO) project will emphasize concentrated traffic enforcement to target speeding, seat belt, and child restraint violations.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals of the SARO project are to:

• reduce traffic fatalities by 20 percent and crash injuries by 25 percent within Hall County; and

• provide education presentations regarding traffic safety issues to driver education classes, civic clubs, and other similar organizations.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The Sheriff’s Office implemented the following activities:

• Hired one full-time SARO deputy to perform 2,080 hours of selective traffic enforcement and other duties associated with this project.

• Purchased a police vehicle.

• Obtained and analyzed statistical data.

• Performed selective traffic enforcement at predetermined locations, times of day, and days of week.

• Solicited requests for presentations and displays.

• Provided 12 public service announcements to local media regarding the project.

RESULTS

For the period of December 1999 through September 2000, there were 74 Fatal, A & B injury crashes. This represents an 8.7 percent (11 fewer crashes) decrease for the same period December 1998 through September 1999. During the same compared time frame, fatality crashes decreased from seven to three (43 percent) since the introduction of the program.

Other results are listed below.

• Provided five presentations and displays to approximately 900 people.

• Performed 1,515 hours of selective enforcement for the 10-month period.

• Logged 18,541 miles issuing 768 citations and 451 traffic warnings.

• Involved in 37 warrant arrests; arrested one person for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and 12 people for Driving During Suspension.

• Participated in one Selective Enforcement Effort for the Nebraska Motor Carrier Enforcement.

• Participated with Nebraska State Patrol and the Minden Police Department in child restraint and seat belt selective enforcement.

• Deployed the speed trailer daily at various selected areas.

• Provided 12 public service announcements regarding SARO activities.

• Provided daily lists of activity locations to local media.

   WINTER 2002