Building on Education and Enforcement Programs and Institutions
Safe routes to schools walking and bicycling maps
State and local transportation agencies often have GIS capability, which puts them in a unique position to create elementary school walking and bicycling route maps. Working with local school districts, walking and bicycling route maps can be developed and maintained on an annual basis. School districts should be responsible for getting the maps to local principals for distribution to all elementary age school children.
School crossing guard programs
Transportation agencies have a unique opportunity to reduce crashes by working closely with school crossing guard programs. Since crossing guards are out on the street on a daily basis, they are often the first to notice maintenance problems such as a signal light that is out or a stop sign that is down. In other cases, they may notice a recurring traffic problem that has the potential for creating a crash. Provide crossing guards with a number to call to report a problem or concern. School crossing locations should receive priority when re-striping crosswalks and updating signs.
Traffic management at schools
Transportation agencies are often called on to install signs to designate bus zones and parent drop off zones, speed limit signs and other traffic control devices (or measures). This can be time consuming and expensive. Often it does not resolve safety issues due to larger problems with the school location and site design. Transportation agencies should take an active role in working with school districts to institutionalize good location and site design practices.
Drivers education
Transportation agencies can help reduce crashes by working with their State Highway Safety Commission or Traffic Safety Office and others to ensure that pedestrian and bicycle related safety is included in driver training and licensing processes. This includes classes, the driver's training handbook, state licensing tests, and in training for bus drivers. This effort can produce significant results with a minimum investment of time and money. For more information, go to the Education section.
Enforcement
Transportation agencies can help reduce crashes by providing local and state police with crash, speed data and other data that can be useful in selecting locations for emphasis enforcement. This can be a very productive and efficient use of agency resources, especially if it is data that has already been collected and evaluated. For more information, go to the Enforcement section.
