Stephenie Slahor, Ph.D.
This year’s report highlights traffic safety challenges including rising pedestrian deaths and poor infrastructure, along with the GHSA urging better designs and stronger community involvement.
The year 2020 saw a 40 year high in pedestrian fatalities. While, for the past two years, pedestrian deaths were down by about four percent overall, the situation still sees alarming upward trends in hit-and-run incidents, particularly at sites where sidewalks and/or night lighting are scant or nonexistent.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has found that one of four pedestrian deaths involve a hit-and-run and that pedestrian deaths are increasing at a rate faster than overall traffic fatalities at about 80 percent compared to 13 percent for other fatalities Over 75% of pedestrian deaths occur after dark, rising 84% from 3,030 in 2010 to 5,578 in 2023 – nearly triple the 28% increase in daylight fatalities (1,092 to 1,396). Locations without sidewalks are especially dangerous, with recent statistics showing that 65 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred in such settings. The visual, psychological and physical “separation” between traffic and sidewalk can help keep pedestrians safer, yet many areas lack sidewalks or have poor sidewalk conditions for which the walker, roller or biker must veer onto the road’s edge.
Although the perception of a pedestrian is someone walking along a sidewalk or pathway, nearly 1,200 people died on freeways and interstates – sites where someone “becomes” a pedestrian such as a stranded motorist; someone exiting a car to check on a vehicle problem (tire, open door latch, etc.); first responders standing and working at the side of a highway or road; and tow truck drivers assisting at an accident or breakdown.
The relatively new “move over” laws passed in all states are good in intent, but difficult to enforce. Although newer vehicles may be equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), alert technology, there is still a need for traffic enforcement which focuses on dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and disobeying that “move over” law.
The GHSA also encourages simplifying grant structures and streamlining reporting and application processes for grants so that they can easily be used for safety initiatives. Each state is best positioned to identify and address its traffic safety concerns and set relevant technologies and planning to improve road safety. Removing federal barriers and allowing the states greater discretion may make safety easier to achieve. That empowerment gives quicker allocation of resources which might help reduce accidents, fatalities and improve road safety.
Ghost Graphics Cars
For decades, police agencies have used unmarked vehicles when stealth was needed. But, “stealth graphics” have recently become a desired tool in some agencies. These graphics mark the vehicle with designated information, but the graphics blend in with the vehicle’s actual paint color. For drivers and pedestrians, the information appearing on the ghost graphics vehicle requires a change of angle, or a closer view, or substantial lighting to see that information.
Most police vehicles must, by state, local or tribal law, exhibit such information as the jurisdiction served; the unit number; the word “Police”; a symbol (star, badge); 911 emergency number; and/or roof graphics.
Ghost graphics are available in either reflective or nonreflective styles, depending on whether visibility is preferred, or if an undercover/unmarked appearance is desired. Generally, when placed on a patrol vehicle, the idea is to blend the vehicle in with the others on the roadway. Many, if not most, drivers can easily spot a “black-and-white,” or roof top lights, or other details which identify a police vehicle sooner rather than later. In many cases, that observation carries the effect of slowing down the speeding driver or correcting errant driving.
According to Graphic Designs International (https://gdigraphics.com), the majority of ghost graphics cars have cut, pigmented vinyl which resists fading and enhances stealth, especially during stakeouts and undercover missions.
Ghost graphics cars are not without their controversy. First, the state or tribal law about what information must be “posted” on a law enforcement vehicle must be followed. Second, in a similar same line of thought, if a department chooses to cover its entire fleet with such graphics, there may be violations of the regulations about visibility of information on the vehicle. Third, visibility drops during emergencies, such as accidents, bad weather or traffic jams, when the public most needs to quickly recognize a police presence. Fourth, drivers may not be willing to trust a set of flashing lights coming from a vehicle behind them which cannot be easily identified as a police vehicle – considering that colored lights can easily be installed on a car by someone seeking to impersonate an officer. Ghost graphics can delay a driver’s response to police signals or require more time if a driver either expresses a request for a marked car with a uniformed officer, or just calls 911 to verify if the stop is by a legitimate police vehicle and officer. While ghost graphics cars might catch more offending drivers, there are drawbacks to the lack of visible markings, or of markings which can only be seen from a particular angle.
Artificial Intelligence aka “AI”
How has AI come to traffic safety? High-resolution imagery and technology to identify violations and violators is one use of AI, as are automated license plate readers which monitor traffic and detect stolen vehicles or wanted persons. Yet another AI example is the use of drones to observe and monitor traffic or sites where weather, accidents and traffic jams may be occurring which affect the “normal” flow of traffic. These uses are “real time.”
AI also enables “learning from history” by using traffic data to identify hot spots for risks, accidents, DUI-prone areas, pedestrian pathways, and flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic for areas or special events. AI can also analyze data from pursuit observation, showing where the trouble begins and where it stops. The “hot spots” can be mapped and show a need for redesign, lane management or increased enforcement at such problem areas.
Much of what AI can monitor can also be beneficial by preserving video evidence if such is needed in court, or for accident reconstruction, or for Amber/Silver alerts.
Of course, personnel using AI must be trained and updated on technology, perhaps in partnership with local colleges or IACP or NHTSA programs. Because AI is computer-controlled and computer-driven, data “fed” to it must be clear, free of bias and complete. Otherwise, we risk returning to the old saying from the early days of computing: “Garbage in, garbage out,”
The Future
The GHSA has a new Web page titled “The Intersection” in which traffic safety experts will offer their comments, strategies and predictions about improvements to safety. (Register at the GHSA.org Web site.)
The first such episode hosted GHSA CEO Jonathan Adkins; Nicole Nason of Nason Group Consulting (NicoleNason.com); and Lynda Tran, CEO of Lincoln Room Strategies (lyndatran.org).
Although traffic problems are many, Nicole Nason felt that distracted driving was still one of the highest concerns, especially as it links to behavior wherein some drivers don’t seem to care that they are engaged in cell phone and online communications while “driving.” She suggests that there may be a need for some type of technical solution which would prohibit such distractions when the driver gets behind the steering wheel. “The messaging has not sunk in,” she said, that distracted driving is not only illegal, but unsafe.
Lynda Tran agreed and added that little progress has been made in curtailing distracted driving. She said part of the blame might be the ADAS technology (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in modern cars which makes people rely on that to manage what the driver should actually be doing. The participants agreed that there is a need to continue seeking solutions in vehicle design to prevent distracted driving.
Another point raised by the panelists was the importance of informing the public that traffic work is an integral part of policing. Such support from the community may be challenging to garner, but it can grow into a realization by the public that traffic safety is vital to people and property. Tran said that making strong investments in traffic safety has been long overdue and could be a contributing factor to the rise in roadway fatalities.
Adam Snider, webinar participant and Director of Communications for GHSA, stated, “We still have a safety crisis for pedestrians.” Although progress is being made, much more is needed especially in better lighting; crosswalks; improved infrastructure for sidewalks, bike paths, and intersections; and in reducing DUI and distracted driving. Another contributing factor to pedestrian fatalities at times is poorly designed roadways which enable speed and distraction.
Panelist Bill Kotowski of the Idaho Office of Highway Safety said his agency is seeking better safety for bikers and pedestrians because statistics show that in the city of Boise, 24 percent of all fatal crashes are pedestrian-involved. The city has established work toward partnership between government and community to locate and improve dangerous intersections; set multiuse pathways; and design infrastructure which is conducive to better safety for pedestrians, rollers and bikers.
Panelist Jona Elson of the District of Columbia Highway Safety Office described work done in community outreach and communication to improve safety for DC’s residents and visitors. The “United We Go!” program is encouraging adults to share responsibilities about driver and pedestrian safety by better street design, enforcement and improved technology in vehicles.
She added that a recent “Step Out” project by the DC Metropolitan Police used plainclothes officers to step into marked crosswalks and report to an officer further down the road whether the driver yielded to the “pedestrian.” The project was used in hot spots where community members had complained about the danger of crossing even in marked crosswalks. The success of the project, she said, has resulted in more interaction between the police and the various neighborhoods served, to the end that most such projects are now community demanded. She added that, when hosting such events, it is better if the event is more casual, rather than having the officers come, as she said, “in full gear,” which might be too heavy-handed for such meetings with community members.
The webinar panelists agreed that staging community meetings and events creates better opportunities for connection between residents and police in working together for traffic safety.
Stephenie Slahor, Ph.D., J.D., is a writer in the fields of law enforcement and security. She can be reached at drss12@msn.com.
Flashing LED Stop Signs
Stop-controlled intersections generally experience fewer crashes than signalized ones, but they account for more fatalities. In 2015, nearly a quarter of all US traffic deaths occurred at intersections and more than 70% of those were at unsignalized intersections.
The most common type of crash at stop-controlled intersections is the two vehicle, right angle collision, often caused by a driver running a stop sign or misjudging a safe gap before pulling out. Many of these incidents involve drivers who stopped first, but then pulled out unsafely.
One countermeasure developed to address this problem is the flashing LED stop sign. These signs outline the stop sign with flashing lights, making it more visible from a long distance and improving driver awareness. Studies show that they reduce “blow-through” violations significantly and can decrease crash frequency at some intersections. However, their effect on approach speeds and full stopping compliance is mixed.
Effectiveness varies depending on location. LED stop signs are most useful at intersections with high crash rates, limited visibility, unexpected stop requirements, or persistent problems with drivers running stop signs. Overuse, however, could reduce their impact and even distract drivers from other hazards.
Technical considerations include light intensity, flash rate, power supply (often solar), and activation methods. LEDs can operate continuously, on timers, or be triggered by approaching traffic. Too much brightness at night or poorly chosen flash rates can reduce legibility or cause discomfort, so careful calibration is needed.
Other treatments, such as overhead flags or flashing beacons, have been tested, but are generally less effective. LEDs have the advantage of enhancing the shape and visibility of the stop sign itself.
Overall, flashing LED stop signs can improve safety at specific high-risk locations and may provide strong benefits relative to their cost. Still, they should be used selectively to maintain effectiveness and avoid diminishing driver response
The ultimate goal of flashing LED stop signs is to reduce the number of crashes and injuries at stop-controlled intersections. Studies have showed that the benefits in terms of reduced crashes exceeded the costs of the installed measures if only one crash was prevented.
New Grid-free Solar LED Stop Sign
This past summer, Radarsign, best known for their radar speed sign technology, announced the launch of its Solar LED Stop Sign – a high-visibility traffic control device engineered for fast deployment and long-term impact.
The Solar LED Stop Sign is Radarsign’s second product launch outside its flagship radar speed sign line, following the debut of flashing beacons in early 2024. Pre-configured to meet MUTCD 11th Edition standards, the Solar LED Stop Sign installs in under 60 minutes with no trenching, wiring or electrical permits required. It features an ultrabright LED border powered entirely by solar energy, making it ideal for intersections, school zones and pedestrian corridors which need immediate visual reinforcement without ongoing maintenance demands.
More information on this new safety product is available at radarsign.com
When Visibility Saves Lives: Flying Cross Delivers the Lit Safety Vest
Traffic enforcement is among the most dangerous responsibilities in policing. Officers step into speeding traffic, often at night, relying on cruiser lights and reflective tape to be seen. But, reflective gear is passive; it only works when headlights strike and, too often, that moment comes too late. Traffic enforcement consistently ranks among the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths, yet investments in visibility technology have lagged behind advances in body armor, vehicle safety and training.
Behind every statistic is a name, a family and a loss which could have been prevented. For those on the roadside, the shrinking margin for survival makes stronger, more proactive solutions essential.
The Solution: Light Which Actively Protects
The Lit Safety Vest was born out of experience, not a corporate brainstorm. Don Campbell, an active-duty officer in Ohio, created it after a colleague was struck and killed while wearing reflective gear. His conviction was simple: If existing tools couldn’t prevent tragedy, something better had to be built.
Campbell’s design goes beyond reflection. The vest doesn’t just reflect; it emits its own light. Integrated LEDs generate up to 594 lumens, several times brighter than standard reflective vests, and run up to 12 hours on a USB charge. A dimmer control, lightweight design and ANSI Level 2 certification ensure officers stay visible without sacrificing comfort or compatibility with body cameras and armor.
Through its partnership with Flying Cross, a uniform supplier with more than 180 years of service, Campbell’s concept was refined and scaled nationwide.
“When Officer Campbell brought us his design, we knew it was more than a vest – it was a solution shaped by experience. Our role was to make sure his idea could reach every agency that needs it, with the quality and scale departments expect from Flying Cross,” said Anne Thurman, Vice President of Product Development for Flying Cross.
The Results: Earlier Recognition, Stronger Protection
Officers who have worn the Lit Safety Vest say the difference is clear: Drivers see them sooner, slow down earlier, and give them more space on the roadside. Those extra seconds matter.
Agencies also point to the vest’s durability and rechargeable design as cost saving advantages. Each feature, from brightness control to storage bag, reflects officer input. And, every purchase supports the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, tying the vest back to its origin in remembrance and protection.
Traffic enforcement is changing, but the danger of struck-by incidents has not. The Lit Safety Vest points to what the next generation of safety equipment can look like – gear which anticipates risk instead of reacting to it. For agencies, the decision is whether to treat visibility as routine or as a frontline investment in survival.
Learn more at flyingcross.com/LitVest.
See Flying Cross at IACP 2025
Are you attending IACP in Denver? Visit Flying Cross at Booth #1447 to explore the next generation of public safety gear. Along with the new Lit Safety Vest, the team will be showcasing the Power Flex™ collection – performance uniforms built for mobility and comfort – and the DutyGuard® outerwear line, designed to keep officers protected in changing weather. Stop by to see how Flying Cross continues to deliver gear which meets real-world demands.
New FAA Drone Rules Could Transform Law Enforcement Operations
The FAA has proposed new rules to expand Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, moving away from the current case-by-case waiver system and toward a standardized framework which allows routine use of drones in a variety of public and commercial settings. Under the proposal, drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds could be flown with either permits or certificates, depending on the complexity and risk level of the operation. All drones would be required to use detect-and-avoid systems and broadcast Remote ID to ensure safe integration with manned aircraft.
Operations would generally be limited to 400 feet above ground and prohibited over large gatherings of people, while operators would need formal training, but would not require FAA pilot licenses. Additional security measures, including TSA background checks, would apply for certain operations, particularly those involving package delivery or sensitive areas. For law enforcement agencies, these rules could significantly expand the use of drones for emergency response, surveillance, crash reconstruction, and other public safety missions, but would also require careful planning to meet the new compliance, reporting and operational requirements. Public comments on the proposed rule are open until October 6, 2025, before the FAA finalizes the regulations.
Additional information from the FAA can be downloaded at: https://tinyurl.com/348ud9d9
SoundThinking Expands PlateRanger™ with SafetySmart™ and Partner Integrations, Delivering a “Force Multiplier”
SoundThinking, Inc. has recently announced the integration of PlateRanger powered by Rekor® – its advanced license plate and vehicle recognition (ALPR) solution – into the company’s SafetySmart platform alongside ShotSpotter® and CrimeTracer™. This allows law enforcement agencies to accelerate investigations, uncover new leads and improve public safety outcomes by further integrating valuable information technologies.
The integrations enable agencies to combine real-time gunshot detection data from ShotSpotter with vehicle identification through PlateRanger and cross-jurisdictional investigative insights from CrimeTracer, enabling a unified, intelligence-rich workflow. PlateRanger also now integrates with Axon Fusus, the leading Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) solution, expanding cross-platform value for agencies nationwide.
The integration delivers multiple benefits to law enforcement agencies:
- Enhanced Investigations with Gunshot Detection – Agencies can now directly link gunfire events with suspect vehicle data, enabling more comprehensive and rapid follow-up.
- Expanded Investigative Reach – Leveraging the Rekor Public Safety Network (RPSN) for LPR reads and CrimeTracer’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and public records access gives investigators a wider pool of data for identifying connections.
- Multiagency Collaboration – Integrated systems enable cross-agency data sharing, helping uncover links between incidents which might otherwise remain siloed.
- Open Standards and Seamless Integration – Unlike closed ecosystems from other providers, SoundThinking’s commitment to open standards enables SafetySmart to integrate with existing systems without disrupting workflows.
The RPSN is a federated, peer-to-peer data sharing platform which empowers law enforcement agencies to collaborate across jurisdictions by securely exchanging vehicle recognition data – without relying on centralized data lakes. Designed with an open, system-agnostic architecture, the RPSN enhances investigative speed, data security and interoperability, while respecting data ownership and agency control.
To learn more about SoundThinking’s SafetySmart platform, please visit soundthinking.com