Using sensors embedded in smartphones, a leading traffic analytics company has compiled a detailed portrait of driver behavior on roads surrounding more than 125,000 schools across the country.
Zendrive’s “School Safety Study” measures the behavior of more than 9 million drivers, tracking their phone use while driving, speeding, rapid acceleration and hard-braking events logged within a quarter-mile of schools. The majority of schools measured earned a C grade or worse, according to the company. Over the last year, 30 percent of schools saw driver behavior deteriorate to more dangerous levels.
The company has been doing the study for three years, but recently, it wanted to do more than measure data. It wanted to help eliminate dangerous conditions.
Last week, Zendrive announced a grant program called Fund My Streets. In conjunction with some high-profile partners, the company will award $50,000 to an organization that uses data from the safety study to design a plan to improve traffic safety.
“One thing we’ve been able to do is inform communities about the safety around their schools,” said Noah Burdick, data practice and policy director at Zendrive. “But we wanted to help people improve safety.”
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults in America, according to the National Safety Council. Recent crashes involving school buses have served as tragic reminders that kids are vulnerable when traveling to and from their schools.
Any community organizations, including local chapters of the Parent Teacher Association, can apply for the grant. Applications are due by Nov. 26. Zendrive is launching the initiative in partnership with ride-hailing services Lyft, Uber and Juno, scooter purveyors Lime and Bird and several safety groups.
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