Approach Used

We conducted a one week traffic safety study at Julius Cordes Elementary School (Pilot School) to identify the causes for traffic incidents occurring around school zones. During this study we were able to identify the locations where these incidents were occurring the most and who needed more education (parent vs student) 

After reviewing the causes, we determined education and awareness around traffic safety rules specific to the school site can help reduce the issues.

We developed and implemented a two-week student education program in collaboration with Mr. Darren McDonald, Cordes School Principal for grades 4-8 that allowed students to learn about different traffic scenarios specific to school site using:

• A video presentation on traffic safety  (Watch Traffic Safety Video)

• An interactive game developed using Scratch (Play Cautious Cheetah Game!)

To raise awareness among parents regarding school traffic safety, we conducted a one-week parent awareness campaign using: 

1. Signage around the school

2. Social media engagement using WhatsApp and FaceBook groups to encourage parents to follow traffic safety rules

3. Daily reminders on traffic safety

4. Daily dashboard with updates on traffic incident trends

Methodology for Data Collection

Students: Used a Quasi-Experimental design in order to evaluate the improvement in students’ knowledge of traffic safety by conducting pre and post surveys using Google Forms.  For each traffic scenario (Walking vs Driving), students were asked to respond how they would reach the school based on their location.

For each question, along with correct response, two or more incorrect or partially incorrect choices were presented.

Parents: Collected daily traffic observations for 1 week during a 10 min peak drop off time involving safety violations around school in the following categories:

1.  Jaywalking in front of school

2. Walking through landscaping

3. Unattended vehicles/leaving car parked in drop off lane

4. Not pulling forward in drop off lane

5. Incorrect drop-off (ex: dropping off in left lane)

Data Analysis

Students: Pre and Post survey responses were grouped into two categories:

1. Students walking to school

2. Students being driven to school

To measure the improvement in students’ knowledge in traffic safety due to the program, a percentage change in the correct responses for each category of questions was calculated

Parents: Based on the daily traffic incident data collected, a percentage change in each category was measured