Could a "Broken Windows" Approach Work for Traffic Crashes?

The "Broken Windows" theory of policing - targeting minor crimes to reduce major ones - has been credited with helping to bring down violent crime rates in several cities. Could such an approach reduce traffic violence?

1 minute read

November 20, 2013, 5:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


With calls for improving the safety of New York City's streets becoming more urgent, former police commissioner William Bratton added his voice to those asking for more vigilance from the city's police department. "At a Transportation Alternatives forum this morning on reforming the agency’s approach to traffic enforcement, former NYPD commissioner (and current contender for his old job) Bill Bratton said street safety deserves more attention from the police," reports Stephen Miller. 

"After Bratton’s remarks, members of the panel spoke about how the 'broken windows' theory of policing can be applied to improve traffic safety. 'Bad driving is a crime,' said Dr. George Kelling, who is credited with developing the broken windows approach in the 1980s. 'The focus is not to arrest people after they’ve committed offenses. We want to stop the next speeding event,' he said. 'We can identify people who are chronically bad drivers and who are criminal in doing so.'”

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 in STREETSBLOG.ORG

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing