South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance
FY 2004 Highway Safety Grant Application
Part V – dated 11/3/03 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION - The intent of this project is to educate the citizens of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, about all aspects of highway traffic safety, but especially in regards to: defensive driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, school bus safety, and pedestrian and bicycle safety.  This project will continue to mobilize the four counties into a grass roots approach to seek support and participation of local and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, educators, emergency services personnel, planners and engineers.  The Alliance’s mission is to develop region wide traffic safety programs, share successful practices, exchange information, and support capital projects geared toward bicycle and pedestrian safety.  While education alone may not lead to changes in behavior, education and awareness can establish a readiness that is often essential for effective implementation of injury prevention measures.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION 
In 2000, members of the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance (Alliance) completed a Safety Needs Assessment Survey, identifying traffic safety issues, problem areas and locations, and traffic safety needs.

The most frequently-mentioned safety concern was the lack of sidewalks and the use of bicycles, motorized scooters and go-peds on roads, by children, with no knowledge or use of traffic rules or laws.  The number one traffic safety concern identified was speeding and aggressive driving, while lack of training in South Jersey, access to safety items, and the dissemination of information were noted as problems. 

Total motor vehicle crashes for the region equaled 21,757 for 2000.  Of those 86 were fatal collisions with 103 persons killed.  Of that 103, 96 were vehicle occupants and the other 12 included 5 pedestrians, 4 bicyclists and 3 motorcyclists. 

In 2001, the Alliance formed the Child Passenger Seat Inspection Campaign, a long term commitment to train technicians and organize inspection events.  Consistently hosting 2 certification courses annually, the Alliance sponsored technicians to become instructors in an effort to become more self-sufficient.  In 2003, we began teaching the National Standardized Certification Course and seeking to get other than law enforcement involved.  However, more work is needed in this area, with only 21 out of over 150 technicians being other than law enforcement and only 2 being bi-lingual.   

In June 2002, the SJTSA surveyed law enforcement and school personnel regarding back to school and school bus safety.  The most common problem noted was motorists passing a bus when flashing red lights are on.  

Throughout the 4 counties there were 130 school bus incidents in 2000.  Of that total, 7 were identified as improper passing by a motorist and 29 from driver inattention (distracted by disorderly children) by the school bus driver.  Those numbers translate to:

In 2002, the SJTPO undertook the Alcohol/Drug Related Crash Data Study to determine the extent and degree of the problem (i.e. percent of this type of crash total crashes), nature of the problem (what are the prevalent types of crashes that result from alcohol/drug crashes), and specific concentrations (i.e. by corridor or area).  The study relied on the crash data available from the NJDOT website (1997-2000 only at time of study).  In the analysis, an alcohol/drug related crash was identified as one in which the “Physical Condition of the Driver” data noted alcohol/drugs were involved.  If the driver was tested for alcohol, but no alcohol or drug use was noted, the crash was excluded from the analysis. 

The SJTPO Regional study findings, summarized below, show that alcohol/drug related crashes account for approximately 6% of total accidents for the corresponding region and time period.  This is a statistic that holds true for each of the four counties.

Of the 2,223 alcohol/drug related crashes in the region, the majority (63%) were single vehicle crashes, as compared to 43% for all the crashes (40,906) in the region.  The percentage of fatal/injury crashes was significant, 40% for alcohol/drug compared to 23% for all crashes.

In Atlantic County, the majority of alcohol/drug related crashed in 1999 and 2000, (total 1086), occurred on US 40 (100) and US 30 (82), which dissect several of the 19 municipalities in the county.  Of those, 65% of the US 40 crashes were fatal/injury and 62% of the US 30.   

In Cape May County, the majority of alcohol/drug related crashed in 1999 and 2000, (total 392), occurred on NJ 47 (30), Co 444 (23) and US 9 (22) with 63%, 61%, and 50%, respectively, being fatal/injury. 

In Cumberland County, the numbers are much more spread out with NJ 49 having 30, NJ 47 having 28, NJ 77 having 27, Chestnut Ave having 26, Co 552 having 22 and Co 555 having 20, out of the 392 total alcohol/drug related crashes.  However, the highest fatal/injury accidents happened on NJ 56 (6 out of 7), Co 347 (10 out of 12), NJ 55 (6 out of 8) and Co 553 (13 out of 18).

In Salem County, the highest number of alcohol/drug related crashes occurred on US 40 (19 out of 190) and NJ 49 (17 out of 190), with the highest concentration of fatal/injury occurring on Co 540 (7 out of 9 or 78%).

In 2003, the Alliance established the Defensive Driving Program to make the National State Safety Councils DDC 6/8 course available in the region.  The program has been designed to be self-funding and provides DDC Instructors with a monetary incentive.  Until now, DDC Instructors did not have access to the video and books and courses were not being offered at a reasonable rate.  To take the course from AAA or a community college it costs between $50 and $75 dollars.  The Alliance is offering the course at $25.00 currently.  The major benefit of the DDC is that is touches on all the various aspects of traffic safety, including impaired driving and occupant protection.  

Also in 2003, the Alliance and Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) created a Traffic Safety Education Partnership, to educate the visitors of the Cape May Lewes Ferry.  The partnership included: establishing the Cape May Lewes Ferry as the Fitting Station in Cape May County; maintaining a traffic safety brochure center in the Ferry Terminal; producing a poster outlining the different CPS laws between the two states, as well as a brochure outlining all the laws regarding traffic safety; playing traffic safety videos in the Ferry Terminal; and writing articles for the Traveler Magazine, given out to all visitors.

Following the DRBA, the Alliance and South Jersey Transportation Authority, established a similar partnership to educate the visitors of the Atlantic City International Airport and motorists of the Atlantic City Expressway.  Traffic safety brochure displays have been erected at the two tourist centers on the expressway and at the airport.

To expand the display of traffic safety brochures, the Alliance developed the Brochure Display Program to provide brochures and display cases for organizations with public access and high traffic volumes.  Priority locations include the motor vehicle offices, hospitals, libraries and municipal buildings.

The Alliance has also developed a relationship with Rutgers University and hosts the various work zone safety courses each Spring and the Grade Crossing Investigation Course through Operation Lifesaver. 

I)  OBJECTIVE – DIVERSITY

To provide resources and training to non-profit agencies that have specific ties to diverse communities. 

STRATEGIES

1. To continue to support the partnerships already established with Puerto Rican Action Committee, Covenant House, local United Ways and SAFE KIDS organizations. 

2. To continue to reach out to similar organizations and initiate partnerships.  

3. To host 1 meeting with these organizations to discuss the implementation of traffic safety educational programs and establish contact individuals.  

4. To add new organizations to the Alliance’s mailing list and continue to disseminate newsletters with available programs to those on the mailing list.

II)    OBJECTIVE – Impaired Driving

To increase awareness of the dangers of impaired and drugged driving, and to the alternatives available through public information and education, thereby reducing total alcohol related fatalities.

STRATEGIES

1.  To support Alliance members using the Fatal Vision Goggle program, and other impaired driving programs, by providing educational materials and handouts. 

2.  To continue to provide website information that identifies alternative programs, such as the Hero Campaign, a designated driver program.

4.  Acting as a resource center, the Alliance will continue to provide descriptions and contact information for educational programs such as S.A.F.E. (Staying Alive From Education).

5.  To continue to spotlight successful drunk driving programs at Alliance Quarterly meetings. 

6. To sponsor one Impaired Driving Training Program for police and municipal prosecutors (currently being developed by NJDHTS and the Pennsauken Police Dept).

III)   OBJECTIVE - Child Passenger Seats/Seat Belts

To increase seat belt use by adults and continue to raise awareness to the benefits of seat belt use.

STRATEGIES

1. To continue to provide educational materials, supplies and seats, and mobile trailer, to Alliance members performing CPS/seat belt safety programs.

2. To organize two seat belt surveys (Cape May and Salem), in September, to determine effect of seat belt programs.  Benchmark surveys were done by the Alliance in 2003. (These two counties are not included in the NJ Observational Survey.)

3. To continue to provide website information that identifies technicians and lists upcoming inspection events.

4. To continue to monitor child passenger seat recall information for updates and release that information to technicians and newspapers.

5. To continue to work with the Sheriff’s Offices of Atlantic, Cape May and Salem to promote the Boost America Campaign and Bounty Program.

6. To hold at least two CPS Certification Courses using our instructors and concentrating on personnel other than law enforcement.

8.  To continue to promote the Buckle Up Stencil Program throughout the four counties, by showcasing at least two new participants in Press Releases, in each county.  

9.  To continue to promote The Saved By The Seat Belt Club and schedule an anniversary breakfast (hopefully around Thanksgiving or Christmas).

10. To continue to promote the Bounty Program in all four counties and make one new PSA.

IV)   OBJECTIVE - Pedestrian Safety

To increase awareness and compliance of pedestrian laws by both pedestrians and drivers, in the four county area.  To promote the use of bright colored or reflective clothing and to importance of carry identification.  

STRATEGIES

1. To continue to provide pedestrians safety brochures and safety items to members performing pedestrian safety programs.  It is estimated that there will be at least one event per county.

2. To continue to attend events, such as the Mall Walkers Awards Program, to distribute all traffic safety brochures, and safety items such as Shoe Pockets and Snap Action Wrist bands.

3.  To continue showcase new pedestrian programs at Alliance meetings.

V)   OBJECTIVE – Bicycle Safety

To increase awareness and compliance with the state Helmet Law and rules of the road through and evaluate the success of the Bicycle Safety Bowl (BSB). 

STRATEGIES

1.  To continue to provide bicycle safety brochures, spoke reflectors and Helmet ID Systems, to  members performing bicycle safety programs, specifically bike rodeos.  It is estimated that there will be at least one event in each county.

2.  To survey members as to desire to continue Bicycle Safety Bowl (BSB).  A two part program combining in school educational lectures and bike rodeos for county winners and a regional winner. 

3. To continue to update website on bike safety information and programs 

VI)   OBJECTIVE - School Bus Safety

To increase awareness and compliance with the state law requiring all motorists to stop when school bus flashing lights are on, through public information and education.

STRATEGIES

1. To continue to provide school safety brochures and posters to members performing school bus safety programs.  

2. To continue to spotlight successful programs to address school bus safety at Alliance Quarterly meetings and in the quarterly newsletter.

3. To update  website with information and programs regarding school bus safety.

VII)   OBJECTIVE – Defensive Driving

To provide the NJ State Safety Council DDC courses to the general public.  The course provides an opportunity to educate the public on various traffic safety issues, including, impaired driving, school buses, trains, bicycles, pedestrians, speeding, and occupant protection.   

STRATEGIES

1.  To host at least 4 DDC 6/8 programs for the general public (especially in the minority communities), municipal agencies and local businesses. 

2. To certify 1 DDC school bus driver instructor and hold 1 class, if the course is available.

3. To provide website information on the DDC course and course schedule. 

VIII)  OBJECTIVE – DRBA TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

To work with the Delaware River Bay Authority (DRBA) to educate patrons of the Cape May Lewes Ferry about various traffic safety issues, including, impaired driving, occupant protection and bicycle and pedestrian safety.  The Cape May Lewes Ferry sees 1.3 million people each year and 80% of those are motorists.

STRATEGIES

1. To continue to provide supplies for the Fitting Station at the Ferry. 

2. To continue to provide educational brochures about the laws in NJ.  The brochures are available in the terminal on the NJ side and at the tourist center at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. 

3. To continue to play traffic safety videos in the NJ Terminal at the Ferry.

4. To continue to submit articles for the Traveler magazine given to all visitors of the Ferry.    

5. To host at least 4 public child safety seat checks at the Ferry location.

6. To host at least 1 bike rodeo at the Ferry location.

IX)  OBJECTIVE – Training

To provide training programs for our members and the general public regarding all types of highway safety issues. 

STRATEGIES

1. To host 2 CPS certification courses.

2. To host 3 work zone safety courses through Rutgers University.

3. To host 4 DDC 6/8 courses.

4. To host 1 DDC for school bus drivers. 

5.  To host 1 Operation Lifesaver Grade Crossing Investigation Course.

6.  To host 1 Impaired Driving Training Courses for police and municipal prosecutors.

7.  To survey Chiefs of Police regarding Rutgers Traffic Engineering for Police, to determine if         classes in South Jersey are needed and/or if funding is needed. 

X.)  OBJECTIVE –  Safety Needs Assessment Survey

Survey Alliance members to determine top traffic safety issues in the region.   

STRATEGIES

1. Distribute survey questionnaire.

2. Tally results by issue and by county.

3. Submit results to Executive Board and General Membership for program ideas.  

OTHER

1. To attend at least four Chief of Police and Traffic Officer Meetings to provide updates on   Alliance activities and programs.

2. To produce and distribute Quarterly Newsletters, meeting agendas and packets. 

3.  To maintain and update website.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The success of this project will come primarily from the positive reaction of the Alliance members, as well as the communities we service. 

MILESTONES

1. Submit signed grant application by November 1, 2003.
2. Schedule 2004 meeting dates by December 1, 2003.
3. Schedule 1^st CPS certification course by January 1, 2004
4. Schedule work zone safety and grade crossing investigation courses by March 1, 2004.
5. Conducted 2 Defensive Driving Courses by May 1, 2004.
6. Participated in 2 bike safety or pedestrian safety by July 1, 2004.
7. Distributed Safety Needs Assessment Survey by September 1, 2004.

EVALUATION

This project will be evaluated by measuring the extent to which the objective and strategies were accomplished.  The Project Director will submit quarterly reports and a final report at the end of the project period.