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Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis logoLink to Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
. 1980 Winter;13(4):571–581. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1980.13-571

Reduction of police vehicle accidents through mechaniically aided supervision

Lynn D Larson 1,2, John F Schnelle 1,2, Robert Kirchner Jr 1,2, Adam F Carr 1,2, Michele Domash 1,2, Todd R Risley 1,2
PMCID: PMC1308164  PMID: 16795634

Abstract

Tachograph recorders were installed in 224 vehicles of a metropolitan police department to monitor vehicle operation in an attempt to reduce the rate of accidents. Police sergeants reviewed each tachograph chart and provided feedback to officers regarding their driving performance. Reliability checks and additional feedback procedures were implemented so that upper level supervisors monitored and controlled the performance of field sergeants. The tachograph intervention and components of the feedback system nearly eliminated personal injury accidents and sharply reduced accidents caused by officer negligence. A cost-benefit analysis revealed that the savings in vehicle repair and injury claims outweighed the equipment and operating costs.

Keywords: occupational safety, accident prevention, police vehicles, vehicle safety, police, tachograph, feedback, behavioral management, supervision, law enforcement

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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