MEETING DATE
2/28/2013 |
BUREAU SUBMITTING THIS REPORT
Training Program Services Bureau |
RESEARCHED BY (PRINT NAME)
Robert "R.C." Smith |
REVIEWED BY (PRINT NAME)
Anne Brewer |
REPORT DATE
01/08/2013 |
APPROVED BY
Robert A. Stresak |
DATE APPROVED
02/07/13 |
PURPOSE
Information Only |
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No
|
| ISSUE: |
| This is an informational report on progress regarding the SAFE Driving Campaign. |
| BACKGROUND: |
The SAFE Driving Campaign is aimed at reducing fatal and serious injury law enforcement traffic collisions. SAFE stands for Situation-Appropriate, Focused, and Educated driving.
The Campaign has three working groups to assist POST; an Advisory Board concerned with national awareness efforts, a Research Team responsible for identifying causes and interventions associated with officer-involved collisions, and a Vehicle Operations and Training Advisory Council (VOTAC) focused on the advancement of preferred policy and training practices. The Motor Officer Training and Operations Review for Safety (MOTORS) Advisory Group, a subcommittee of the VOTAC, is focused on the advancement of preferred policy, training practices and safety equipment as it pertains to law enforcement motorcycles. |
| ANALYSIS: |
During 2012 the State of California did not lose a single officer in a vehicle-related line-of-duty death. That is a first. This milestone is an encouraging sign that the collective efforts associated with the SAFE Driving Campaign are making a difference.
How significant is this? According to data from both the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund and the Officer Down Memorial Page, the State of California has lost a minimum of two officers in vehicle related incidents every year going back to 1950 (when staff stopped checking). From 1950 through 2011, California lost a total of 371 officers in vehicle related incidents, an average of six per year. Recent “peak” years were 2003 and 2005 with 10 fatalities each. There is no way to know how many line-of-duty deaths or career-ending injuries have been averted in California and elsewhere but unquestionably the issue of SAFE Driving is in the forefront like never before.
The first SAFE Driving Symposium was held in San Diego during October 2012 with over 250 in attendance. The three-day event was very successful and the attendees left with new resources and enthusiasm to reduce the number of peace officer traffic collisions.
Current SAFE Driving Campaign research team studies include: Fatigue and Distraction; Agency Culture; Agency Policy and Culture; Epidemiological/Demographic issues; and State-Level Differences. The State-Level Differences study is completed and the Epidemiological/Demographic study is nearing completion. The Research Team plans to publish research findings during 2013 from the State-Level Differences study, the Fatigue and Distraction study, the Agency Culture study, and the Epidemiological/Demographic study.
The SAFE Driving News Alert has proven to be an effective tool in communicating the SAFE Driving message and now has almost 2,000 subscribers. It provides recipients with links to training materials, news articles, research studies, videos, and other information. To date there has been a total of 16 news alerts sent out. Staff has received very favorable feedback as to the value of this resource.
The MOTORS Advisory Group, a subcommittee of the VOTAC, will be developing a pilot program utilizing motor officers to track near-miss collision reporting. This is a first step toward examining the feasibility of implementing a voluntary and anonymous near-miss reporting system for all California law enforcement. Near-miss reporting generates valuable data to assist in the development of recommendations designed to enhance safety and has been long-utilized in other professions such as the airline industry.
The new “Did You Know (DYK)? Fatigue” video is available on the SAFE Driving Campaign website as well as the POST Learning Portal. This is the third video in a series on SAFE driving that sends a powerful reminder regarding fatigue and its role in law enforcement collisions. It joins the Emmy nominated DYK video on seatbelt usage and another on vehicle speed. These videos have been met with wide acclaim and are being used by agencies throughout the State and beyond.
Staff will make a presentation on the SAFE Driving Campaign at the Public Agency Risk Managers Association’s Annual Conference in Rancho Mirage, Calfiornia on February 6, 2013. The SAFE Driving Campaign working groups will next meet in May 2013. |
| RECOMMENDATION: |
| This report is for informational purposes and no action is required. |
| ATTACHMENT(S): |
| Name: |
Type: |
| No Attachments Available |
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