Organizing for Safety

Abstract

Traffic safety is the responsibility of public of ficials, yet public officials cannot successfully discharge this re sponsibility without public support. Public support in turn will not be successful unless it is properly focused. This focus can best be achieved through a formal organization of all groups and all individuals united in a co-ordinated accident prevention program. This organized group of citizens performs a two- way function: it conducts a continuous campaign of education to keep the community alerted to accident prevention needs, and it places its support solidly behind public officials, encourag ing them to improve their program and to advance its effective ness. Organized citizen support for traffic safety is not some thing new and unique. It developed out of industrial safety experience as motor-vehicle traffic grew in volume and com plexity. The need for a co-ordinated attack on traffic accidents is not limited to citizens and citizen groups, however. Public officials charged with traffic responsibilities also should co-ordi nate their efforts in order to minimize duplication and assure understanding and co-operation. This can best be achieved through a co-ordinating committee of the heads of the depart ments which have traffic responsibilities, with the chief execu tive serving as chairman. The traffic problem can be brought under control if public officials provide leadership and are backed by strong citizen support for the measures needed to achieve this end.