Utilization Analysis of a Pedestrian Safety Training Program

Abstract

A previously developed and analyzed pedestrian safety training program was used to teach appropriate street-crossing behaviors to kindergarteners and first graders. Adult crossing guards were trained to provide pedestrian safety instruction. Trained observers monitored the quality of instructions given by crossing guards and the pedestrian behavior of young children as they crossed the street. A multiple-baseline analysis of the effects of two training programs indicated that guards were able to deliver the pedestrian safety program to several groups of children with a high degree of competence after receiving a single videotape and role playing training session. Furthermore, children's level of appropriate street crossing increased contemporaneous to the change in guard behavior both on the street where training was delivered and on a second street where no training was previously delivered. Utilization analysis of the guard training program indicated that one cannot expect to produce consistently high levels of street-crossing behavior by implementing only the "show and tell" portions of the training package. Similarly, results suggested that one is unlikely to produce consistently high quality guard training behavior by only giving written instructions describing how pedestrian training should be administered.

Child Pedestrian Injury

“…By shepherding children to cross when it is safe, they help children maintain their safety. They also serve as models, demonstrating safe behavior, providing praise for safe pedestrian behaviors, and correcting unsafe behaviors when needed 82. Research suggests crossing guards do not need to be professionals such as police officers or teachers.…”

“…Research suggests crossing guards do not need to be professionals such as police officers or teachers. Instead, almost any mature pedestrian with some minimal training, including even older children or teenagers, can provide proper training and feedback to children 82,96…”

“…A few early studies established the promise of school-based training programs. 82,83 In one, an extensive instructional package, including both classroom and streetside components, was delivered to students in grades kindergarten through 3 and yielded significant change in skill levels posttraining, plus retention of change a year later. 82 A second large study used similar strategies with 6- and 7-year-olds and demonstrated a reduction in actual injury incidents in target areas.…”

“…82,83 In one, an extensive instructional package, including both classroom and streetside components, was delivered to students in grades kindergarten through 3 and yielded significant change in skill levels posttraining, plus retention of change a year later. 82 A second large study used similar strategies with 6- and 7-year-olds and demonstrated a reduction in actual injury incidents in target areas. 83 A subsequent study tested the inclusion of a parent component along with an 8-session school-based training program for children in grades kindergarten through 4.…”

Behavioral Skills Training in Portuguese Children With School Failure Problems

“…Some studies have analyzed the effects of the individual components of BST, and have demonstrated the importance all four steps. In this line, Yeaton and Bailey ( 1983 ) applied a package to train guards about how to teach children to cross the street; they then analyzed the effectiveness of the different steps. They found that the rehearsal, feedback and praise components were necessary to produce effective behavioral change, while isolated components were not so effective.…”