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Abstract

This study employed a multiple baseline design with a reversal to evaluate the effects of two interventions for improving pedestrian safety: (a) a pedestrian safety awareness campaign and (b) a training, feedback, and reinforcement package. Elementary school children in grades one through six were the participants. Six behaviors pertinent to pedestrian safety were targeted by this study: (a) waiting at the curb, (b) looking all ways, (c) watching vehicle distance, (d) walking, (e) continuing to look, and (f) using the cross walk. During baseline, safe crossing behavior averaged 52%. During the national awareness program, crossing behaviors averaged 54%. When the intervention package was implemented, the average pedestrian safety increased to 74%. When the intervention package was withdrawn, the average pedestrian safety decreased to 57%. The results of this study suggest that the inclusion of behavioral-intervention strategies with awareness training will facilitate the acquisition of pedestrian safety behaviors.

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Teaching Pedestrian Safety Skills to Children

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