Enforcement of Traffic Laws and Accidents Program Evaluation - Case Study Example

Policy and Program Evaluation Proposal On: Enforcement of Traffic Laws and Accidents Enforcement of Traffic Laws and Accidents Program Evaluation 1. Describe or summarize the policy or program which you intend to evaluate The need for enforcement of traffic laws in an effort to control the number of accidents on the road posses a change of inventing an effective enforcement of traffic laws and accidents program evaluation for traffic enforcement officials. The goal of the evaluation is to design an effective enforcement of traffic laws and accidents program evaluation plan for policy makers to determine whether the enforcement of traffic laws could reduce the number of road accidents in the United States of America. In addition, the plan will determine the feasibility of the proposed traffic laws enforcement measures. Further the evaluation will provide information that could shed light the proposed traffic laws enforcement measures. More than fifteen questions are used to determine this study. 2. What Are The Goals Or Desired Outcomes Of The Policy Or Program? The goals or desired outcome of this program in to plan and develop a program evaluation plan for enforcement of traffic laws and accidents. Further, the evaluation plan will provide sufficient information that could lead to an improved enforcement of traffic laws and accidents. In essence, the evaluation plan is aimed at making decisions that will improve the state of current traffic problems. In other words, the plan in interested in saving lives and prevent injury. Further, the evaluation program is aimed at enforcing traffic laws that will prevent the use of alcohol and other drugs in traffic. Additionally, the goal of the evaluation plan is to protect road users through enforcement of laws to control various traffic offenses. For instance, control speed and aggressive driving. Avoiding distracted drivers and other dangerous driving behaviors. Further, the aim of this evaluation plan is to ensure the proper improver motor vehicle and driver control on the road. 3. Why are the goals or outcome important The goals of the evaluation plan will improve compliance with traffic laws, thus reduce incidents of road carnage. Further, the goals will meet the traffic law enforcement needs. Additionally, the goals will provide some information regarding some of the traffic breaches that contribute to high rates of accidents on American roads. Further, the goals will inform policy makers regarding how to effectively organize and implement traffic laws. Additionally, meeting the goals of an effective evaluation plan will provide new approaches and tools that could improve the nature of enforcement of traffic laws in the country. The goals will also facilitate the necessary information regarding the amount of resources that traffic law enforcement requires in order to effectively enforce traffic laws. The goals will ultimately provide gaps that traffic enforcement offers need to breach in an effort to provide safer road usage. Additionally, the evaluation plan will determine the parameter of the proposed traffic enforcement plans, thus it will help eliminate unrealistic expectations regarding some approaches towards enforcing traffic laws. In other words, the evaluation plan stipulates was is possible, and what it takes to ensure enforcement techniques provide positive results. Similarly, the goal of preparing an evaluation plan that improves the enforcement of traffic laws will help to meet societal needs. Further, it will provide innovative traffic law enforcement ideas that meet various safety requirements. Indeed, the goal of the evaluation plans is a demonstration of enforcement programs that could be implemented throughout the United States of America. 4. How have other researchers attempted to evaluate the policy or program? What were their conclusions? What might be replicated in your evaluation? There are various views regarding the policy that advocates for the use of technology to enforce traffic laws. For instance, other policy evaluators believe that a program of using technology in the enforcement of traffic laws has proven to be effective in improving safety on the road in the United States (Hu, McCartt, & Teoh, 2011). On the other hand, critics of this program argue that the use of technology is not sufficiently effective in the enforcement of traffic laws and accidents. Proponents of the use of technology in the enforcement of traffic laws argue that the use of automated traffic cameras deters traffic offenders. Consequently, motorists adhere to traffic laws because they are aware that the cameras could present credible evidence to prosecute them in case to choose to break traffic laws. In essence, traffic cameras capture the images of vehicle registration plates breaking traffic laws. More specifically, the technology keeps track of speeding motorists and the problem of red light running in traffic. Once the image of motorist is processed, it is sent to the offender via email. Overall, the evaluation plan advocates for the use technology in the enforcement of traffic laws asserts that the program shows how to execute automated enforcement. Further, the program is credible because it augments the traditional methods of enforcing traffic rules. Opponents of the use of automated traffic law enforcement methods argue that the program only service to raise revenue for law enforcement officers. The argument is that the program concentrates of fines which do not necessarily reduce the number of accidents, but generate money for the traffic enforcement department in the police force (Tay, & De Barros, 2011). Further, they insist that the aim should be creating awareness of the need for safety on the road rather than arresting traffic offenders. However, supporters of automated traffic law enforcement, counter the argument by claiming that offender are usually warned that the automated cameras are in use, but they choose to ignore the warning, thus deliberately breaking the traffic laws. In regard to fines imposed on traffic offenders, proponents argue that the fines are characteristic of all traffic enforcement policy and programs. In other words, the proposed program where technology is embraced in the enforcement of traffic laws and accidents should not be an exception as far as imposing fines on offenders is concerned. Overall, the use of technology in the enforcement of traffic laws in widely accepted as an effective program in eliminating risks on the road. In relation to this, the use of technology in this proposed traffic enforcement program could also prove that the use of technology improves safety on the roads. 5. What theory or theories connect the policy or program to its goals or desired outcomes? The theory that connects the policy to its desired outcome is the broken windows theory. The theory proposes that if a window is broken and no repair is done to fix the broken window, eventually the deplorable state of the broken window will create an impression of carelessness. In other words, there is no one who is in charge of fixing the broken window; this is the underlying concept of this theory. In relation to the proposed program, the application of the broken windows theory, means that the use of technology such as automated cameras and other gadgets that monitor the use of road captures the offenders. Once the offenders and the type of traffic laws broken, both the public and the enforcement, police team together to repair the damage on the traffic rules, thus making them work. In other words, the ideas of being caught by the high accuracy of automated enforcement, traffic law deters the people who might break the traffic laws, thus it creates the awareness that the public cares about the need to have law and order in traffic. When the “windows” are repaired, the level of traffic offenses will reduce. In relation to this, the theory of broken windows is integral in meeting the goals proposed in this evaluation plan. 6. How Do You Propose To Evaluate Your Policy Or Program? The first step in the program’s evaluation process is to identify the target audience or stakeholders relevant to the use of technology in enforcing traffic laws (Wholey, Hatry, & Newcome, 2010). The potential target audience is the department of police in charge of traffic laws and accidents. The success of the program will depend on the stakeholders’ interest to participate in the proposed enforcement program. There will be a need for them to offer their perspectives regarding the use of technology to enforce traffic laws, thus creates a common understanding as far as the program is concerned. Further, it will make the clarification of goals and objective of the program understood to everyone concerned. The second step is to describe the way technology could be used to enforce traffic laws. Further, the proposal stipulates what the program will accomplish. Additionally, it will highlight the steps to follow in order to reach the goal of the program. Ways in which the program will do it and the necessary resources that the program needs to realize its goals. Overall, if the program meets all the aforementioned goals, it will appear credible in the eyes of stakeholders and beneficiaries. The third step is to point out the means, activities, and outputs of the use of technology in the enforcement of traffic laws. Additionally, the process and means of the program will be highlighted. Further, the program has to answer specific questions regarding the use technology in the enforcing traffic rules. Further, what information is needed, and methods of gathering this information, and how this information will be used is integral in the evaluation process of this program. The fourth step of the evaluation process is to collect evidence regarding the importance of the program. The process will utilize qualitative and quantitative data in order to collect the necessary data. Qualitative data will provide a description about the public regarding traffic rules, the behaviors of motorist, the observable incidents in traffic rules and accidents on the road. On the other hand, quantitative data will tally various measurement needed to collect data to determine the feasibility of this program. The fifth step of the evaluation process is gauging the process of the program. For instance, the program evaluation plan will determine whether the program is developing positively or its development is deteriorating. Further, through the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection, the program evaluation plan will identify the strengths and weakness of the program. Further, the data should inform if the program is meeting the standards of the stakeholders or better other competing programs. The final step of the evaluation process is the presentation of the findings of the proposed evaluation plan. These findings are to be used in the improvement of areas where the use of technology in the enforcement of traffic laws is lacking. Moreover, this final step is meant to persuade stakeholders, and other targeted audience to embrace the use of technology in the enforcement of traffic laws. In other words, the adoption of the program means the success of the evaluation plan. 7. If You Have Direct Involvement In The Policy Or Program, Describe/Summarize Your Role. My role is identifying some of the best technology to use in the automated enforcement of traffic rules. I will determine the amount of resources required to make the program feasible. Finally, I will monitor the outcome of the use of technology to enforce traffic rules. 8. Is your evaluation a process evaluation or an outcome evaluation? Why? How? My evaluation is an outcome evaluation because it takes one through the activities involved in the program, then moves to the processes involved in the program, and finally highlight the outcome of the use of technology such traffic cameras in the enforcement of traffic rules. The evaluation process is interested in the success and accomplishment the use of technology will bring to department of traffic rules and accidents. For instance, did the use of cameras deter speeding, careless driving, and other common traffic offenses. The evaluation process should be able to provide answers to most questions that concern the program. For instance, how effective is the program? And, did the program, create the desired impact on the enforcement of traffic laws and accidents? 9. What Are The Principal Components Of Your Evaluation Design? The principal components of the program evaluation design are to assess the level of quality and success the use of technology has on improving the adherence of traffic laws by road users. Secondly, evaluation design should be able to present data gathered from the various activities involved during the enforcement process. Finally, should facilitate objective evaluation from all sectors concern to the implementation of technology in the enforcement of traffic laws. For instance, both the views of internal and external assessment are characteristic of this evaluation design. 10. What Are Your Units Of Analysis? Why? The unit of analysis of this program is urban areas because of the high level of traffic offenses, and congestion characteristic of urban centers in the United States of America. 11. Is An Experimental Design Relevant To Your Evaluation? If So, How? What Form? If Not, Why Not? The evaluation design is relevant in the evaluation plan of this program because the introduction of technology as a method of enforcing traffic rules will measure if it reduces the number of traffic violations. In other words, the improvement of traffic rules and accidents depends on the level of using technology to enforce traffic rules. Further, the experimental design will determine the correct levels of use of technology that yield the desired results. Additionally, the experimental evaluation design will maximize the amount of information need in order to understand the outcome of using technology in the enforcement of traffic laws and accidents. Further, the experimental evaluation design is effective in this program evaluation because it allows the plan to determine the necessary objective of the study, and determining the process factors for the program evaluation. 12. How do you propose to measure the factors, variables, goals, or outcomes which are relevant to your evaluation? The program uses an experimental design in measuring the factors, and variables of the evaluation process. It will take statistics on the number of accidents and traffic offenses before the implementation of the use of technology to enforce traffic laws. After, the implementation of the program the evaluation process will also take statistic of the level of accidents and traffic offenses after the use of technology. The reduction of traffic offenses means the goals of the evaluation plan have been met, and vice versa. 13. What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Your Proposed Measures? The advantage of this measure is that it is allows one to determine the best measure that will meet the needs of traffic rules and accidents enforcement. Further, it gives tangible results that can be transferred and be used somewhere else as opposed to anecdotal research which is not accurate. On the other hand, using this measure to determine the factors and variables of the evaluation plan is prone to human error, thus may give incredible information and false results. Further, it is likely that using one of the urban centers in the United States may not be representative of other urban areas of the United States of America. For instance, if the measure is used in New York and it gives a desired outcome, it does not necessarily mean that the outcome could apply in other urban areas such as Detroit city. Further, the disadvantage of this measure is that it is prone to give artificial results that are misleading. Similarly, the measure personal bias might skew the result in the favour of the program in order to meet the desired ends of the program- to be accepted. 14. What Are The Principal Sources Of Data And Information Which You Propose To Employ? The principal sources of data and information that will be used in this evaluation of this program will be derived from the department of police in charge of enforcement of traffic rules and accidents. Further, key sources of the evaluation process include traffic reports, statistical projection of traffic fatalities. In addition, it will utilize media - reported traffic crashes and state traffic data. 15. What are the advantages and disadvantages of your proposed sources? The advantages of sources is that most of the information is credible because it is information that is recorded by the police department of the actual road accidents that taken place within a given period. Further, enforcement of traffic rules and accidents keeps the records of incidences when traffic rules are broken. For instance, they keep records of motorists with speed tickets. The police department in charge of traffic rules in a credible source of information because in carries out investigations regarding the fatal accident. Additionally, it contains information about accidents that cause death or serious personal injury. The police department in charge of traffic enforcement also contains an analysis of accident and enforcement data that will be instrumental in comparing the data from the police enforcement measures and the use of technology in the enforcement of traffic rules and accidents. Collecting Information from the traffic rules enforcement department is not time consuming compared to other sources of information, thus it will ensure a timely delivery of the evaluation plan. Further, the information is easily accessible because it’s the role of the traffic police department to provide necessary information to the public when requested. Moreover, it is cheaper to use this source because it is free to the public to utilize. In addition, the traffic police department performs the regular collection and analysis of traffic rules and accidents activities, thus it will be easier to analyze the data as compared to finding disorganized data from other sources. Similarly, secondary analysis of the traffic fact sheets could provide a new insight which will enhance the current evaluation plan. The disadvantage of using traffic information from the government is the political pressures that might skew information in favor of the government as a result the information will provide a false outcome during the evaluation of the program. Further, some police information regarding traffic rules and accidents is incomplete, thus it could affect the evaluation process. Finally, a verbal collection of information from police traffic officers could have an inherent bias, thus, affect the accuracy of the evaluation plan. 16. How do you propose to analyze and to interpret the data and information which you collect? In other words, how will your analysis and/ or interpretation show that the policy or program goals or outcome have or have not been achieved? The data and information will be analyzed and interpreted through data tabulation. Further, I will construct frequency and percent distributions. This will show the patterns that the data takes, thus will provide a comprehensive picture regarding the program or policy goals. Overall, a comparison of the pattern will determine whether the goals of the program were achieved or not. 17. What Policy Or Programmatic Recommendations Might Emerge From Your Evaluation? Use of technology should not replace traditional means of enforcement of traffic rules, but it should be used to augment traditional means. References Hu, W., McCartt, A. T., & Teoh, E. R. (2011). Effects of red light camera enforcement on fatal crashes in large US cities. Journal of safety research, 42(4), 277-282. Tay, R., & De Barros, A. (2011). Should traffic enforcement be unpredictable? The case of red light cameras in Edmonton. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 43(3), 955-961. Wholey, J. Hatry, P., & Newcome, K. (2010). Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & sons. Read More