COMET

Combine Messaging to Reduce Unrestrained and Impaired Driving Fatalities and Injuries Enforcement Plan

Overview:

Law enforcement has put a tag on the COmbined Messaging Enforcement for Tennessee (COMET). This will support and implement the Combined Messaging to reduce Unrestrained and Impaired Driving Fatalities and Injuries demonstration project. This project will include three (3) LEL regions: West TN, Middle TN and Cumberland Regions and will include 6 Tennessee Highway Patrol Districts, and a total of 59 counties within Tennessee. LEL’s will begin immediately soliciting participation in the Combined Message Campaign that will be in addition to the normal enforcement campaigns of mobilization. Reporting and participation of enforcement activity will be reported on-line by participating agencies in specific enforcement activities as defined.

Law enforcement agencies will employ a Combined Message Press Event in major media areas prior to each wave. These Press Events will be organized by the local LEL’s utilizing the GHSO and TDOT Information Personnel within the parameters of the Combined Message efforts. Local agencies will make every effort to utilize earned media opportunities throughout the demonstration project with each wave and report this activity in the reporting module.

Scope of Law Enforcement:

Participating law enforcement agencies may utilize several enforcement efforts to gain participation in this project; specifically, through Routine Patrol, Saturation Patrols and Sobriety Checkpoints. They will also be encouraged to utilize the educational component of earned media and educational opportunities through banners and other visual media methods.

The actual enforcement events will occur during specified dates and times within the parameters of the project. Enforcement and education efforts must be reported in order to gain acknowledgement of participation.

Participation:

Participation in the up-coming Combined Message Project has begun by the LEL’s during the September 2011 monthly network meetings. Early indications are evident that participation and reporting will be at or near 100% for the 59 counties involved in the target areas. The exception will be East Tennessee which will act as the control area for this study. A hard figure of participation will be available as the project beginning nears. Activity shall be reported within the reporting module as indicated below.

Agencies will be required to sign a participation agreement and fax, mail, or email said agreement to the respective LEL or GHSO office.

Reporting:

Participating agencies shall report their activity for the specified waves and times listing each enforcement activity and record the specific violation cited for each activity separately:

• Routine Patrol
• Saturation Patrol
• Sobriety Checkpoints

Activity will be recorded on the website to provide researchers the most effective and productive method of enforcement from the above activities. Click here to report on a campaign.

BAC Data Collection Checkpoints:

Six (6) data collection checkpoints have been tentatively selected and are listed in Appendix B. There will be 6 checkpoints in the West and Middle Tennessee regions. The purpose of these checkpoints is to collect BAC with the assistance of Preusser Group personnel. This will be done immediately after 3 specified waves. A baseline data collection checkpoint will be accomplished in October 2011, dates and times can be found in Appendix B.

Time Table of Events: