Module 3-21

Crash Data Collection and Uses

Describe the process by which crash data are collected and used in road safety management.

Module 3-22

Major Topics

Importance of Accurate Data

Data Collection Process

Data Improvement Strategies

Use of Safety Data in Road Safety Management

Module 3-23

Crash Data Accuracy

Case Study

• 60% of rural crashes coded to the zero milepost

• 81% of cross roads were missing

• 1/3 of all crashes missing location data

Implications

• HSIP

• HSP

• CVSP

• SHSP

Module 3-24

The “Torturous Path” of Crash Data Collection

Crash Occurs

Crash Report Completed

Data Recorded in Database

Crash Data Transferred to State Database

Data Analyzed and Disseminated

Module 3-25

Data Deficiencies

Integration

Accessibility

Timeliness

Accuracy

Completeness

Uniformity (or consistency)

Module 3-26

Overcoming Data Deficiencies

Training and Education

• Law enforcement officers

• Court officials and adjudicators

• Crash Report System Administrators

Update or Review Crash Report Form

Module 3-27

Overcoming Deficiencies (cont.)

Technology (electronic collection, linkage, location identification, etc.)

Policies and Procedures

Collaboration (i.e., TRCC)

Module 3-28

Electronic Reporting Systems

Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS)

Crossroads Traffic Collision Database

Mobile Capture and Reporting System (MCRS)

Module 3-29

§408 Grant Requirements

First year grant

• TRCC

• Multi-year strategic plan

Subsequent year grant

• Traffic records assessment

• TRCC

• Multi-year plan

• Grant funding specifications

• Measurable progress

Module 3-210

NHTSA/State Partnership

Traffic Records Program Needs Assessment

• Compare a state traffic safety program with current guidelines

• Report on the strengths and weaknesses of core systems 

Traffic Safety Information System Strategic Plan

• Strategic action plan to address system deficiencies – “living document”

• Encourage statewide integration of systems and resources

Module 3-211

MMUCC Data Elements

Crash

Vehicle

• Collected - Collected at the scene and recorded onto crash report

Derived - Generated from computerized crash data

Linked – Linked to injury, driver history, vehicle registration, roadway inventory, or other data files.

Person

Roadway

Module 3-212

Data Uses for Road Safety Management

Use of Data Use of Data

Political AgendasPolitical Agendas

Engineering JudgmentEngineering Judgment

Conventional WisdomConventional Wisdom

Module 3-213

The Benefits of Using Data

Crash TrendsCrash Trends

High Crash LocationsHigh Crash Locations

High Risk GroupsHigh Risk Groups

Contributing FactorsContributing Factors

Program Evaluation Program Evaluation

Q: Is crashes per VMT a fair

comparison among states? What does it

imply that states can/should do to lower their rates?

Module 3-214

High Crash Locations

Number of CrashesNumber of Crashes

Severity of CrashesSeverity of Crashes

Exposure, e.g., Volume of TrafficExposure, e.g., Volume of Traffic

Contributing FactorsContributing FactorsQ: can you think of anything else? Hint:

compare performance, cost?

Module 3-215

High Risk Groups

Comparing Crashes to National Averages Comparing Crashes to National Averages

LocationLocation

Contributing Factors Contributing Factors

• AgeAge

• Helmet useHelmet use

• Alcohol involvementAlcohol involvement

• SpeedingSpeeding

• UnendorsedUnendorsed

Module 3-216

Evaluation Basics

PurposePurpose

• To determine the benefits and costs of each strategy or To determine the benefits and costs of each strategy or actionaction

• To determine the effect of the overall programTo determine the effect of the overall program

Types of EvaluationTypes of Evaluation

• Formative - Assesses ongoing project activitiesFormative - Assesses ongoing project activities

• Summative - Collects information about outcomes and Summative - Collects information about outcomes and related processes, strategies, and activitiesrelated processes, strategies, and activities

Module 3-217

Program Evaluation

Crash Reports and StatisticsCrash Reports and Statistics

CostsCosts

Program Management Policies and ProceduresProgram Management Policies and Procedures

Public Knowledge and Attitude SurveysPublic Knowledge and Attitude Surveys

Module 3-218

Evaluation Measures

Identify ProblemsIdentify Problems

Plan New ProgramsPlan New Programs

Improve Existing ProgramsImprove Existing Programs

Evaluate Resource Allocation/UtilizationEvaluate Resource Allocation/Utilization

Assess Effectiveness of Operational Policies, Procedures, Assess Effectiveness of Operational Policies, Procedures, and Protocolsand Protocols

Module 3-219

Review

Importance of Accurate Data

Data Collection Process

Data Improvement Strategies

Use of Safety Data in Road Safety Management