This project provides a scalable evaluation framework and methodologies to determine the effectiveness of combined law enforcement/engagement for reducing crashes and their severity involving road user behaviors.
Status: Completed (published as BTSCRP Research Report 10 in April 2024)
High‑visibility enforcement (HVE) has long been a core strategy for reducing dangerous driving behaviors, yet states have lacked a clear, evidence‑based understanding of which HVE approaches work best and under what conditions. As enforcement agencies face staffing challenges and shifting public expectations, the need for strong, data‑driven guidance has grown.
This project evaluated the effectiveness of HVE strategies and identified ways to strengthen planning, implementation and communication. The research reviewed existing evidence, assessed how HVE has been used across states and examined how enforcement visibility, media support and operational design influence safety outcomes.
The study analyzed HVE across multiple traffic safety priorities, including impaired driving, speeding and seat belt use. It also examined how agencies coordinate enforcement waves, how they measure success and how public messaging affects driver behavior.
The project produced practical guidance to help State Highway Safety Offices and law enforcement agencies design and deliver more effective HVE operations. Recommendations focused on improving data use, strengthening media and outreach components, refining enforcement tactics and aligning HVE with broader safety goals.
