State-level differences in fatal law enforcement officer collisions

The purpose of this paper is to investigate variability in law enforcement officer (LEO) traffic fatality rates among states in order to identify policy-relevant areas of opportunity to reduce deaths.

Differences in state highway spending, regulatory policy, law enforcement training, LEO and general public traffic fatalities, and other state-level variables are explored through cross-sectional regression analysis and qualitative content analysis. Data were used from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime in the USA and LEOs Killed and Assaulted reports, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System, among other sources.

There are a number of significant state-level variables and trends that contribute to differences in LEO traffic fatality rates. Maximum highway speed limits and general population traffic fatalities are found to be statistically significant predictors. Thematic factors relating to LEO exceptionalism, agency sovereignty, training, and external control loci, emerged through qualitative analysis.

Limitations included differences in definition, consistency, and reporting among data sources. Qualitative analysis of some variables were limited and future research should pursue more robust and repeated/longitudinal measures.

Policymakers have an opportunity to review significant factors contributing to higher/lower collision involvement rates and make changes to police practices to reduce collision involvement and improve safety for LEOs.

No prior study has offered a national, cross-case analysis of LEO traffic fatalities by state. This paper offers law enforcement policymakers empirical examples of successful LEO traffic safety policies.