Data Analysis for County Highway Safety Plans

Original publication: HSIP Noteworthy Practice Series, Safety Data Collection, Analysis, and Sharing; FHWA-SA-11-02; 2011(PDF, 1.6MB)

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has made $3.5 million available to develop Highway Safety Plans for each of the State’s 87 counties. The concept is to build on the foundation established by Minnesota’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), with the primary objective of identifying a specific set of safety projects directly linked to the causation factors associated with the most severe crashes on each county’s highway system.

The first step in developing each county plan has been to conduct a comprehensive crash analysis to disaggregate crashes by system (state or local), severity (serious injury, fatal), location type (urban or rural), and crash type. Through comprehensive crash analysis, MnDOT assisted counties with identifying whether the majority of the severe crashes are occurring on the state or local system and in urban or rural areas. This helps identify where the greatest proportion of crashes are occurring, as well as the primary crash types.

The counties have then disaggregated the crashes based on the 22 emphasis areas identified by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s (AASHTO) to identify the critical emphasis areas (e.g., young drivers, seat belt usage, road departure, intersections). The identified emphasis areas represent the greatest potential to significantly reduce the number of severe and fatal crashes in the corresponding county.

Once emphasis areas were identified, an initial list of potential safety countermeasures was compiled using the strategies included in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 500 Series Reports – Guidance for Implementation of AASHTO’s SHSP. The county staff reviewed the initial list and eliminated strategies considered too expensive or experimental, and the remaining strategies were prioritized through a Safety Strategies Workshop, which included various safety partners in the county (e.g., public works, law enforcement, planning, public health, elected officials, MnDOT staff, etc.). During the workshop the results of the data driven analytical process were shared with the safety partners, who then discussed and prioritized the list of safety strategies.

Following the prioritization of safety strategies, a detailed crash analysis was conducted to identify contributing crash factors and characteristics based on the findings of the initial crash analysis. This analysis identified high risk locations (e.g., segments, horizontal curves, intersection) based on systemwide factors such as number of severe crashes, design features, traffic volumes, curve radius, etc.

In most cases the severe and fatal crashes have been spread over many miles of roadways, resulting in a low density of crashes. To address this issue, one of the key objectives of the county safety plans is to identify low-cost safety-related projects focused on the county’s identified emphasis areas to implement on a systematic basis. At this point in the process, projects were identified based on the results of the detailed crash analysis and the identified high-priority strategies. Some county lists of potential projects have included multiple years of projects – ultimately implementation will be dependent on securing HSIP funding or integration of these low cost measures into other programs such as 3R (Resurfacing, Restoring, Rehabilitation).

Key Accomplishments

• Established a process for developing data-driven county safety plans.
• Provided data analysis support to counties for improved problem and project identification.
• Established a better link between crash causation and implementation of safety strategies on local roadways.

Results

As of December 2010, 23 counties have developed safety plans. The data analysis used to develop the plans has helped position counties to more effectively identify projects eligible for future HSIP funding cycles and to make improvements on local roadways with greater potential to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes. The comprehensive data analysis has also positioned MnDOT to more subjectively quantify safety needs on the local roadways as part of the State’s systemic approach to safety improvements. Furthermore, through a process similar to the development of the statewide SHSP, development of county safety plans have fostered a greater safety culture among county stakeholders.

Contact

Brad Estochen
Minnesota Department of Transportation
651-234-7011
bradley.estochen@dot.state.mn.us

LTAP Provides Software and MDOT Provides Support for Local Safety Data Analysis

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010(PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishments

• Increased the number and quality of local safety projects.
• Developed local agency analysis capabilities on safety trends including development of charts and maps.
• Aligned local safety efforts with the SHSP.

Because the fatal crash rate on non-State highways was higher than on State highways, Michigan recognized that additional tools were needed to support local safety planning and programming. The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) developed a GIS-based integrated roadway management system to analyze and report on local roadway inventory, safety, and condition. The software’s safety module helps local practitioners conduct several analyses, including identifying trends in crash frequency and severity, determining segments eligible for the High-Risk Rural Roads funding program, and identifying intersections of concern in their jurisdictions. Crash report data are embedded in the software so users can easily access crash reports when conducting safety analysis. These new analysis capabilities result in projects targeted to locations with high rates of fatal and serious injury crashes. Previously, it was common for projects to be targeted at locations based on resident complaints. Development of standard data queries aligned with SHSP emphasis areas is underway.

The software also includes diagnostic tools to analyze crash patterns to identify locations where infrastructure improvements can reduce crash frequency and severity. Once problem areas are defined, users can follow built-in links to National Cooperative Highway Research Program safety documentation to identify promising countermeasures. MDOT-funded enhancements to the safety module and provides funding for the LTAP to offer the software and training at no cost to local agencies.

Since the establishment of the MDOT Local Safety Initiative in 2004, three dedicated staff have provided engineering support to local agencies by conducting local crash analysis using the software. Additionally, MDOT conducts field reviews of locations of interest with the local agency and provides suggestions for safety countermeasures. When staff conducts outreach to local agencies they provide information on the State’s SHSP to increase alignment of local activities with Statewide safety goals and strategies.

Results

More than one-half of counties have voluntarily sought support on safety data analysis, countermeasure development, and training from the local safety initiative. The local capacity for safety analysis has improved, and the number and quality of local safety projects has increased.

Contact:
Tracie Leix
Supervising Engineer, Local Safety Initiative
Michigan DOT
517-373-8950
LeixT@michigan.gov

Local Safety Planning Improved through MPO Outreach

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010(PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishments

• Provided technical assistance and funding for local government to identify and implement safety projects.
• Developed a culture of safety at the local level.
• Increased the study of local safety issues.

Because a large number of crashes were occurring off the State system, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recognized that local jurisdictions needed to be more involved in safety analysis and countermeasure development. Since it is challenging to conduct outreach to so many jurisdictions, ODOT enlisted Ohio metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) to work with local governments to encourage their involvement in safety programs.

ODOT provided training and assistance for MPOs to help them develop more effective, safety-focused relationships with local governments. To support this effort, the State held a series of Safety Conscious Planning forums for MPOs to help them identify safety needs and deficiencies. As a result of the forums, ODOT now assists MPOs with the development of safety work plans. These plans document regional safety goals and objectives, analyze regional crash data, identify regional high-crash locations, propose safety improvements, and identify funding strategies. They also facilitate coordination with local transportation agencies to implement highway system improvements.

MPOs analyze safety data in their regions and develop lists of high-priority locations and/or driver behaviors to target for improvement. Safety studies and projects are then developed from this list and funded with local, State, and Federal funds. In some cases the Ohio DOT provides funding for consultant services to support MPO safety studies.

Results

MPOs are now working with local jurisdictions to analyze data and develop safety work plans. They are focused on addressing regional high-crash locations, understanding regional crash trends, and assisting local governments with funding applications. As a result of these partnerships, a number of major and minor safety projects have been implemented in local jurisdictions.

Contact:
Michelle May
Safety Program Manager
Ohio DOT
614- 644-8309
Michelle.May@dot.state.oh.us

LTAP Support to Local Agencies

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010(PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishments

• LTAP staff routinely promote SHSP concepts when working with local transportation agencies, broadening the reach of the SHSP.
• Local agencies receive assistance with data collection and input efforts.
• SHSP working groups receive local insight and hear about local concerns via LTAP personnel.

Communicating the SHSP to local agencies is a required first step toward implementation of safety strategies at the local level. Local Technical Assistance Programs (LTAP) serve as conduits, transferring highway technology from FHWA, the State DOT, and universities to local transportation agencies. Utah is using the LTAP to disseminate information about the SHSP to local jurisdictions.

LTAPs provide workshops, publications, videos, and other training materials to local agencies to improve the effectiveness of their transportation programs. They also support Road Safety Audits (RSA) and provide direct technical assistance for dealing with transportation challenges.

In Utah, LTAP personnel regularly promote the State’s SHSP in their work with local agencies. Actions by local agencies can directly impact SHSP implementation efforts. LTAP personnel are helping local agencies collect and manage crash data, thereby improving its accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. LTAPs also provide software with potential safety benefits to local agencies (e.g., sign inventory software).

LTAP staff are able to give insight into local issues and concerns to UDOT through their involvement with local agencies. UDOT personnel also gain additional knowledge of local issues through their participation in RSAs. This local information is provided to the SHSP emphasis area working groups to fine tune or modify their action plans.

Results

By tapping into relationships already in place through the LTAP program, Utah is able to collect information, ideas, and other inputs from local agencies and share it with emphasis area teams, ensuring that local input is considered as the SHSP is implemented.

Contact:
Robert Hull
Director, Traffic and Safety Division
Utah DOT
801-965-4273
rhull@utah.gov

Tracking Local Project Implementation

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010(PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishment

• Developed a database enabling ODOT to track implementation of district safety countermeasures by location.

Ohio’s SHSP includes an emphasis area focused on the reduction of fixed-object, intersection, cross-median, and head-on crashes. Strategies include identifying locations with high numbers of such crashes and making safety improvements to them. To monitor project implementation, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) developed a formal process to track district-level progress on safety projects, countermeasures, and studies.

ODOT monitors district performance via the Safety and Congestion Work Plan. The database supporting the Work Plan includes recommended low- and moderate-cost countermeasures for specific locations. It also provides fields for estimated and actual costs, estimated and actual start date, estimated and actual completion date, progress, and crashes over the past three years. If a project milestone is not met, the project appears on a past due list. Project locations are populated by ODOT, and county managers provide status updates on countermeasures for each location.

Results

The project tracking tool has enabled ODOT to closely monitor safety project implementation in the districts. The system has been effective in informing ODOT of project delays and backlogs so issues can be addressed quickly.

Contact:
Michelle May
Safety Program Manager
Ohio DOT
614-644-8309
Michelle.May@dot.state.oh.us

Centralized HSIP Funding and Evaluation Results in Safety Projects Aligned with SHSP

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010(PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishments

• Established district-level safety teams to identify hazardous locations and develop projects aligned with the SHSP.
• Developed objective criteria for project identification and prioritization resulting in increased alignment with the SHSP.
• Provided support for safety studies by local governments and MPOs providing more opportunities for local agencies to propose safety projects.

To continue to reduce highway fatalities and serious injuries the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recognized the need to ensure safety projects were being developed at the local level. It was critical that projects be evaluated based on criteria designed to ensure that locations with the greatest safety needs were being addressed throughout the State. ODOT also wanted to provide more opportunity for local agencies to propose safety projects.

To achieve these goals, ODOT centralized Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding and developed a management process that includes district safety review teams (DSRT). In each ODOT district, a safety review team was formed, including ODOT representatives from planning, production, highway management, and traffic engineering, as well as representatives from law enforcement agencies and local metropolitan planning organizations (MPO). Representatives from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office and the FHWA were also invited to participate. Many members of DSRTs were actively involved in the SHSP process, which encouraged the alignment of district safety activities with State priorities. Each DSRT develops and adopts annual work plans, reviews safety studies, and recommends countermeasures.

To identify high-risk locations and countermeasures, each DSRT reviews an ODOT-provided list of intersections and highway segments with high-crash frequencies. Districts are required to perform safety studies to determine contributing crash factors and to develop plans to implement safety improvements. As part of this effort information on high-risk locations also is provided to local jurisdictions. Project sponsors are encouraged to examine a full range of mitigation options, including those that are short-term and low-cost (e.g., new signs, pavement markings, and drainage improvements), as well as those that are mid-term and mid-cost (e.g., new traffic signals, turn lanes, and realignments).

District offices may pay for these improvements through their annual district budgets or they may apply for HSIP funding. The DSRTs submit project applications for funding consideration on behalf of local agencies. Local governments and MPOs can also propose projects with support from the DSRT and receive assistance with safety studies.

A six-member committee at ODOT headquarters reviews applications for projects generated via the DSRT process. Projects are evaluated and prioritized based on uniform and objective criteria that align with the SHSP. Selection criteria include:

• Crash frequency/density;
• Crash rate;
• Severity Index (represents the relative cost to society of a specific type of crash);
• Equivalent property-damage-only rate;
• Percent commercial motor vehicle-related;
• Rate of return; and
• High-risk rural roads.

The committee may approve a project proposal, select a different safety strategy, or request further study before allocating funding.

Results

The centralized HSIP funding process has resulted in the development of safety projects closely aligned with the SHSP. The process is generating increased safety project proposals by local agencies and MPOs.

Contact:
Michelle May
Safety Program Manager
Ohio DOT
614-644-8309
Michelle.May@dot.state.oh.us