TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - Risk factors for the severity of injury incurred in crashes involving on-duty police cars
JO  - Traffic injury prevention
A1  - Chu, Hsing-Chung
SP  - 495
EP  - 501
VL  - 17
IS  - 5
N2  - OBJECTIVE: This paper explores the risk factors associated with police cars on routine patrol and/or on an emergency run and their effects on the severity of injuries in crashes. <br><br>METHODS: The binary probit model is used to examine the effects of important factors on the risk of injuries sustained in crashes involving on-duty police cars. <br><br>RESULTS: Several factors significantly increase the probability of crashes that cause severe injuries. Among those causes are: police officers who drive at excessive speeds, traffic violations during emergency responses or pursuits, driving during the evening (6 to 12 p.m.) or in rainy weather. <br><br>FINDINGS also indicate some potential issues associated with an increase in the probability of crashes which cause injuries. Young police drivers were found to be more likely to be involved in crashes causing injuries than middle-aged drivers were. Distracted driving by on-duty police officers as well as civilian drivers who did not pull over to let a police car pass in emergency situations also caused serious crashes. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Police cars are exempted from certain traffic laws under emergency circumstances. However, to reduce the probability of being involved in a crash resulting in severe injuries, officers are still obligated to drive safely and follow safety procedures when responding to emergencies or pursuing a car. Enhancement of training techniques for emergency situations or driving in pursuit of an offender and following the safety procedures are essential for safety in driving during an emergency run by police.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1538-9588
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2015.1109082
ID  - ref1
ER  -