Citation

Peterson C, Douma F, Morris N. Transp. Res. Rec. 2017; 2660: 66-73.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/2660-09

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Speeding is a public health crisis that accounts for approximately one-third of roadway deaths each year in the United States. One countermeasure with clearly documented efficacy to reduce speed is automated speed enforcement (ASE). Public acceptance, however, has been marginal, with many drivers calling into question its need and legality. This project aimed to measure public rejection of ASE and to provide individualized information strategically to determine if opinions may be shifted more favorably as a result. Statistically significant movement on ASE opinion was achieved after respondents engaged with a tailored survey that addressed their particular concerns about ASE. Almost half (47%) of those who began with a neutral or negative opinion of ASE moved toward a more favorable opinion of it. Those who changed their opinion were more engaged (e.g., considered the opposite of their current stance more fully) and were persuaded by evidence of safety benefits that result from effective speed reduction with ASE deployment.

Language: en