Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

Cut-through traffic is believed to:

1. Enhance neighborhood safety

2. Provide more surveillance

3. Reduce neighborhood traffic flow

4. Decrease the safety perception of a neighborhood

The correct answer is: Decrease the safety perception of a neighborhood

Cut-through traffic refers to vehicles passing through residential areas to avoid congestion on main roads. This practice is often linked with decreased safety perception in neighborhoods for several reasons. Firstly, the presence of more vehicles can create a hazardous environment for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly if streets are not designed to accommodate high traffic volumes. Residents may feel concerned about the speed of vehicles in their neighborhood, which can lead to a fear of accidents involving children and pets. Secondly, cut-through traffic can contribute to noise pollution and increase the general congestion in otherwise quiet areas. This change in the atmosphere diminishes the sense of community and comfort typically found in residential areas. Finally, the influx of unfamiliar vehicles can lead to a perception that the neighborhood is less safe, as residents may feel a lack of control and familiarity over their surroundings. The combination of these factors results in a diminished sense of safety and security among residents, confirming that cut-through traffic is believed to decrease the safety perception of a neighborhood.