Publication Details

Watch for Me NC: 2021 summary

Type: Paper

Subtype: Final Report

Author(s): O'Brien, Sarah Worth; Blank, Kristin; LaJeunesse, Seth; Hancock, Kari

Publisher: NC Governor's Highway Safety Program

Url: https://www.watchformenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/WFM-2020-Report.pdf

Publication Date: Jan-2022

Number: GHSP PS-21-05-05

Address: Raleigh, NC

Abstract: The Watch for Me NC (WFM) program, a statewide road safety program launched in 2012, specifically aims to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths through a comprehensive, targeted approach of public education, community engagement, and leveraging specific law enforcement efforts. The program is a collaborative effort with state agencies and local communities. In 2020, the program was sponsored by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The UNC Highway Safety Research Center leads program management and coordination. The NCDOT leads the WFM purchased media campaign. Each partner community leads their own local efforts through a coalition of multiple community stakeholders representing law enforcement agencies, universities, and planning, engineering, transportation, and health departments within municipalities. There are three main components to the WFM program: 1. Public education: WFM outreach materials distributed by WFM communities and communications support; purchased media coordinated by NCDOT; and the WFM website which is updated and maintained by HSRC. 2. Community engagement: facilitated by HSRC through monthly or bimonthly calls with partner leads to support action planning for how to engage their respective communities. 3. Law enforcement officer and partner training: Five training modules on pedestrian and bicyclist safety topics for community members to apply within their communities. One training focuses specifically on State laws related to pedestrian and bicyclists and enforcement efforts. The following report describes these three components as well as outcomes for the 2021 program year.The 2021 program year was planned and budgeted to accommodate potential disruptions due to theglobal COVID-19 pandemic and specifically did not include any in-person training or meetings. The HSRCteam provided programming via online meetings on Zoom and telephone calls. Communities across theState are still recovering from pandemic impacts and shifting priorities, and throughout 2021communities participated as they were able. The following report provides more information aboutpartner activities throughout the year.