The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in feelings of unsafety between genders and the use of safety strategies, using gender theory, social bond theory, and feminist theory as theoretical frameworks. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, collecting data through a quantitative self-designed questionnaire with 64 respondents and qualitative focus group discussions involving 24 participants across five different groups. The results reveal significant gender differences, with women reporting higher levels of unsafety and greater use of safety strategies compared to men. By applying gender theory, social bond theory, and feminist theory, the study shows that structural factors in society affect experience of unsafety and the use of safety strategies differently for men and women. The conclusion is that these theoretical frameworks contribute to a deeper understanding of gender differences in fear of crime and how these differences are reflected in the safety strategies used.

There have been many documents published that set strategic goals for the future, including transportation-related goals. However, few documents focus heavily on a specific approach to improve transportation safety. Therefore, a supporting policy document focused on transportation safety is required to ensure that the transportation system runs safely and efficiently; a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) serves as that document. A SHSP is a high-level traffic safety policy that represents a scientific, data-driven, four to five year comprehensive safety document that is designed to identify a jurisdiction’s emphasis areas (i.e., key areas of safety concern) and target safety goals [i.e., collision reduction goal(s)], and may also include network screening (i.e., identification of high collision locations) and safety strategies/programs for each chosen emphasis area. There are, however, limited documents that discuss the procedure for the development of a SHSP specifically for a municipality. Therefore, the goal of this research was to improve traffic safety by reducing the number and severity of collisions in municipalities across Canada. The objective for this research was to develop a data-driven and more scientific municipal-level SHSP development process (i.e., procedure and key components) that may be used to improve traffic safety for municipalities across Canada. Existing procedures, key components and approaches to develop the key components in existing SHSPs published mainly in North America were reviewed. The literature review (FHWA, 2006; CCMTA, 2011b) suggested that the typical procedure for the development of a SHSP is identifying a “champion” (i.e., an individual or unit with high-level leadership), developing a vision, identifying key stakeholders, developing the key components (i.e., selecting the key emphasis areas, establishing target safety goals, selecting the strategies/programs for the chosen key emphasis areas), and updating and evaluating the SHSP. The existing procedures and key components were adjusted to create the modified process. The modified process consisted of two additional steps to the procedure: 1) Incorporating Upper-Level Policies and 2) Conducting Network Screening. The modified process also outlined the most appropriate approaches to use to develop the key components of a municipal-level SHSP. The modified process (i.e., procedure and key components) was applied to develop a municipal-level SHSP for the City of Saskatoon through a case study to compare the results to the existing process. Saskatoon’s SHSP included seven emphasis areas for a definite period of time (i.e., for the next five years). Target safety goals, network screening and strategies/programs were also developed, but only for the selected emphasis areas. Recent ten-year (2001-2010) collision data from the SGI was used to select emphasis areas, develop target safety goals and conduct network screening. Based on the case study results, upper-level policies should be incorporated in the development of the key components of a municipal-level SHSP. This is because a municipal-level SHSP is the lowest-level SHSP and should incorporate the emphasis areas, target safety goals and strategies/programs that are included in upper-level SHSPs (i.e., provincial- and federal-level). In addition, the SHSP can act as an operational-level safety action plan that supports a jurisdiction’s Strategic Plan. The addition of network screening also provides useful locations in a municipal-level SHSP. The case study results showed that the modified process provided detailed information required by a municipality to make informed safety investment decisions compared to the basic information the existing process provided. Therefore, the modified process is a data-driven and more scientific process that can be used to develop SHSPs that will improve traffic safety for municipalities across Canada.

Food service businesses in the United States have experienced millions of dollars in losses caused by foodborne illness outbreaks, which can lead to bankruptcy and business closures. More than 68% of all foodborne illness outbreaks occur in food service establishments. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to explore the strategies leaders of food service establishments use to implement food safety regulations. Force field analysis was the conceptual framework for this study. The population for the study consisted of 3 leaders of food service establishments located in the southeastern region of the United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of the business policies and procedures that support compliance with critical food safety regulations. The methodological triangulation approach was used to assist in correlating the interview responses with company policies and procedures during the data analysis process. Yin's 5-step data analysis approach resulted in 3 themes: (a) organizational performance analysis for improvements in food safety, (b) strategies applied to improve food safety, and (c) stability of new strategies for food safety. The key strategies identified included adhering to the guidelines of food code and regulation, conducting employee training and awareness building, and working closely with food safety inspectors. The implications for positive social change include the potential to add knowledge to businesses, employees, and communities on the use of effective food safety strategies to minimize foodborne illnesses. Such results may lead to the improvement of service performance and long-term growth and sustainability of food service establishments.