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Integrating Safety in the Rural Planning Process
- 1. Integrating Safety in the Rural Planning Process Workshop December 4, 2014
- 2. Technical Report • Introduction • Safety and Transportation Planning • Methods for Integrating Safety in the Planning Process • Linking Planning Documents • Case Studies, Resources, Implementation Tool
- 3. Research Approach • Literature and websites/web resources • Technical Oversight Working Group – Androscoggin Valley COG – Central Arizona Governments – Iowa DOT – Lake County/City Area PC – North Central Pennsylvania RPDC – Ohio DOT – Piedmont Triad RPC – Pueblo of Acoma – Two–Rivers Ottauquechee RC – FHWA
- 4. The Rural Safety Context • 19 percent of the United States population lives in rural areas, but rural fatalities account for 54 percent of all fatalities* • 18,170 out of 33,561 fatalities occurred in rural areas* • Contributing factors: Exposure, Physical Limitations, Multimodal Facilities, Speed (crash severity), Roadway Geometry * 2012 Data
- 5. Role of RPOs • Rural transportation planning organizations (RPOs) – Assist state (DOTs) and work with the public and local officials to understand the transportation needs for nonmetropolitan areas BEFORE AFTER
- 6. RPO Planning Processes • Develop a regional transportation plan • Provide input into the statewide plan • Coordinate the development of other planning documents Planning Tasks Public Involvement and Outreach Multidisciplinary Coordination and Input Data Collection and Analysis Development of Goals and Objectives Identification of Performance Measures and Targets Project Prioritization and Programming Monitoring and Evaluation
- 7. Project Objective Planning Tasks Public Involvement and Outreach Multidisciplinary Coordination and Input SAFETY Data Collection and Analysis Development of Goals and Objectives Identification of Performance Measures and Targets Project Prioritization and Programming Monitoring and Evaluation
- 8. RPO Planners Role • Forum for identifying regional priorities • Conduct public involvement • Connection to elected officials • Lead or support long range planning processes • Staff expertise • Boots on the ground • Champions
- 9. Exercise: How are you addressing safety? • Put a dot on the flip chart paper that corresponds with the activities you complete in your regular planning process where you feel safety IS included or addressed.
- 10. Methods for Integrating Safety in the Transportation Planning Process
- 11. Public Involvement/Outreach Planning Task Safety Integration Public Involvement and Outreach Solicit input to inform planning decisions • Utilize available public involvement tools to collect information on transportation safety issues and needs
- 12. Public Involvement Methods • Surveys and Comment Cards • Open Houses • Outreach Materials – Websites – Newsletters Potential Safety Survey/ Comment Card Questions • In what specific areas is transportation safety a concern (i.e., walking, biking, intersections, rail crossings)? • What are your ideas for safety solutions? • What specific locations or roadways do you perceive as having a safety problem?
- 13. Exercise: Defining Safety At a regional meeting, such as a transportation advisory committee meeting, it may be beneficial to schedule time in the agenda to ask: What does transportation safety mean to you?
- 14. Exercise: Defining Safety • Safety – “Reducing fatalities, serious injuries, and economic loss resulting from crashes on the transportation system”
- 15. Multidisciplinary Coordination Planning Task Safety Integration Multidisciplinary Coordination Using committees to inform planning decisions • Discuss safety at committee meetings • Include traditional/non-traditional safety stakeholders on committees • Host safety workshops
- 16. Safety Stakeholders • Enforcement – Local, State Police • Emergency Response – Hospital Staff, EMTs, Nurses, Doctors, Administrators • Educators – Teachers, Student Advisory Groups • Engineers
- 17. Committee Meetings • Discuss safety topics with existing committees – Policy –Technical – Modal/Special Interest –Citizens
- 18. Committee Meetings • Agenda Ideas – Presentation on the SHSP – Program and fund transportation safety projects – Present/review regional crash data – Annual review of regional high-crash locations – Overview of road safety audits and solicit committee interest – Planning for a regional safety workshop
- 19. Safety Committees – Iowa MDSTs • MPOs and RPOs are intended to have a multidisciplinary safety team • Participants – Planners, engineers, law enforcement, emergency response, incident response, Iowa DOT central and district staff, and Iowa State University
- 20. Safety Committees – Iowa MDSTs • Agenda Items – Facilitated safety discussions, safety audits, crash analysis workshops, and construction zone management • All applicable activities are incorporated into RPO/MPO planning and programming
- 21. Safety Workshops or Summits • Engage stakeholders specifically on safety issues – Education Focused – Working Meetings
- 22. Peer Experience • Multidiscipinary coordination • Doug Plachinski, Berkshire RPC (MA)
- 23. Data Collection and Analysis Planning Task Safety Integration Data Collection and Analysis Identify regional trends and issues • Collect and analyze safety data (crash, volume, roadway) to identify goals, objectives, and project/program priorities.
- 24. Identify and Access Available Data • State crash/roadway database • Regional/local crash database • Generated Crash Reports • Local law enforcement • LTAP/TTAP • Local safety agencies/ organizations (MADD) • Safety Planning Documents • Qualitative data (surveys)
- 25. Data Retrieval Crash Analysis Tool
- 26. Data Retrieval Generated Reports Each year, the California DOT (Caltrans) prepares an Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), providing summaries by jurisdiction, type of crash, contributing factors, and other characteristics to all the RTPOs.
- 27. Analyze Data • High Crash Locations and Crash Clusters • Spatial Analysis • Crash Frequency • Trend Analysis • Crash rates • Crash Types and Contributing Factors • Systemic Analysis • Network Screening
- 28. Analyze Data Piedmont Triad Regional Council Speed Mgmt Study County Level Analysis – Frequency tables using crash data variables were used to identify countywide trends and general crash factors associated with speeding-related crashes. Network Screening – Identified routes where severe and/or speeding-related crashes are over represented compared with other similar routes. Spatial Analysis – GIS was used to rank schools by severe and speeding-related crashes, and to rank road sections with crashes on/near curves.
- 29. Peer Experience • Data and analysis • Jeannette Wierzbicki, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA)
- 30. Goals and Objectives Planning Task Safety Integration Goals and Objectives Desired transportation outcomes and methods for achievement • Utilize public and stakeholder input, the results of data analysis, and information in other plans to develop safety goals and objectives in planning documents
- 31. Use Public and Stakeholder Input Goal: Improve Pedestrian Safety Objective: Complete missing segments of sidewalks along major roads.
- 32. Use Data Goal: Reduce fatalities and major injuries that result from motor vehicle crashes. Goal: Reduce fatalities and serious injuries that result from motor vehicle crashes. Objectives: • Implement findings from road-safety audits at the top intersections or road segments with high numbers of rear-end crashes. • Implement rear-end crash reduction strategies as identified by the DOT.
- 33. Review Other Planning Documents • Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) • Highway Safety Plan (HSP) • Local Comprehensive Plan • State/MPO LRTPs • State/MPO Modal Plans – Bicycle/Pedestrian – Freight – Transit
- 34. Performance Measures and Targets Planning Task Safety Integration Performance Measures and Targets Tool to track and evaluate progress towards transportation goals • Identify performance measures and targets to track and evaluate progress toward the safety goals, objectives, programs, and/or projects.
- 35. Match Performance Measures to Goals and Objectives Goal: Safe Transportation System Performance Measure: Number of fatalities and serious injuries Goal: Improve Bicycle Safety Performance Measure: Number of bicycle fatalities
- 36. Exercise: Goal > Objective > Measure • In groups of 2 or 3, discuss whether your region’s plan includes safety as a goal. • Do you have objectives? (They may be called something else, but they might describe actions to achieve the goal). What are they? If your plan doesn’t identify objectives, what could one or two of them be? • What is the expected outcome from pursuing those objectives? How do you measure it?
- 37. Exercise: Goal > Objective > Measure • Lincoln Trail Area Development District (KY) • Regional Concept Plan included safety goal area • Objectives address corridor identification, developing transportation projects that improve safety, and facilitating completion of safety-related projects. • Several measures track movement for each objective: number of roadways with over 500 collisions per year, percent of dangerous corridors with identified countermeasures, number of projects on dangerous corridors included in the Kentucky Highway Plan.
- 38. Identify Data to Establish Performance Annual data Average data Performance Measures: - Number of fatalities - Number of serious injuries Performance Measure: -Number of intersection fatalities
- 39. Set Performance Targets Goal: Improve Transportation Safety Performance Measure: Number of fatalities Optional Performance Targets: Reduce fatalities 3.4% per year to align with the SHSP goal of halving fatalities by 2030. Reduce fatalities from 73 in 2010 to 44 in 2020
- 40. Project Prioritization and Programming Planning Task Safety Integration Project Prioritization and Programming Processes used to select and prioritize transportation projects • Incorporate safety into transportation project decisions • Prioritize safety specific projects
- 41. Incorporating Safety into all TIP Projects • Qualitative Evaluation Criteria – Safety considerations refer back to the goals and objectives set in the regional planning process Fresno COG Scoring Template
- 42. Incorporating Safety into all TIP Projects • Quantitative Evaluation Criteria – Safety criteria are developed based on data analysis, such as crash frequencies, rates, systemic Southeast Iowa RPC Surface Transportation Program Safety Criteria Safety score is assessed by comparing crash rates on the proposed facility with state rates and what proportion of the project cost will go toward safety improvements.
- 43. Safety Specific Projects • Coordinate with DOT to understand HSIP project prioritization • Identify low-cost countermeasures • Conduct road safety audits
- 44. Peer Experience • Project Prioritization • Dan Landon, Nevada County Transportation Commission
- 45. Monitoring and Evaluation Planning Task Safety Integration Monitoring and Evaluation Process to determine effectiveness of transportation programs/projects • Routinely monitor and track safety performance to evaluate progress towards meeting performance measures and targets.
- 46. Basic Monitoring and Evaluation Process • Baseline Data • Establish Performance Outcomes • Interpret Results • Allocate Resources • Regularly Review Progress
- 47. Tracking Tools Goal – Reduce Intersection Crashes Performance Measure – Number of Fatalities and Serious Injuries at Intersections Objectives Implementation Status Improve Crash Data and accuracy and usability. Conduct local training on road safety audits and develop a road safety audit program. Pursue a local policy for the consideration of round-abouts at local intersections. Pursue traffic calming strategies at intersection where appropriate. Sample output tracking table
- 48. Tracking Tools South Central PDC (LA)
- 49. Tracking Tools Piedmont Triad RPO (NC)
- 50. Planning Area Worksheets and Implementation Plan
- 51. Developing a Safety Plan 51 Establish Multidisciplinary Committee Review Crash Data and Conduct Analysis Establish Safety Goal Identify Emphasis (Goal) Areas Emphasis Area 1 Emphasis Area 2 Emphasis Area 3 Develop Safety Objectives and Strategies Develop Safety Performance Measures Identify Safety Programs and Projects Safety Plan Monitor and Evaluate Emphasis Area 4 Public Involvement Public Involvement
- 52. Case Studies • Multidisciplinary Coordination – Iowa MDSTs • Public and Stakeholder Engagement – Highway Safety Forums in Vermont • Project Prioritization – Regional PDC’s in Virginia • Data, Analysis, and Programming – North Central PA RPDC Safety Study
- 53. Resources • Transportation Planning Processes • Transportation Safety Planning • Federal Safety and Planning Websites • Data and Analysis • Proven Countermeasures • SHSP Guidance • Performance Measures • Project Prioritization • RPO Transportation Planning Documents/ Safety Studies • Planning/Policy Manuals
- 54. Contact Information Rosemarie Anderson FHWA Office of Safety Programs 202-366-5007 rosemarie.anderson@dot.gov
- 55. Exercise: New Year’s Resolution Identify 1 – 2 specific actions you want to add to your work plan or processes.
Editor's Notes
- To address safety issues in rural regions, FHWA is about to release a new Technical Report entitled, “Integrating Safety in the Rural Transportation Planning Process.” All of the information presented in this PPT can be found in this Report. The full contents of the report include: Introduction section includes: Report Objective, Target Audience, and Research Approach to identify material and write Technical Report Safety and Transportation Planning section includes: Background on transportation and safety legislation, Challenges to considering safety in planning processes, an Overview of transportation planning and what it means to RPOs, and an overview for how safety can be integrated into the transportation planning process. Methods for Integrating Safety in the Planning Process is the main piece of the report and include information on how to incorporate safety into each of the planning tasks. The tasks each include an introduction to the planning task, strategies to integrate safety into that planning task, and a planning worksheets to help users identify strategies to better incorporate safety into their processes. At the end of the section is an overview on how to develop a stand alone safety plan. These methods will be described in detail throughout the rest of the PPT. Linking Planning Documents section includes: Ideas for how to link the results of the transportation safety planning process with other plans, but also opportunities to include safety in other planning documents, such as bicycle/pedestrian plans. The Appendices section include: Case studies with practical examples of integrating safety into the planning processes, web and literature resources in specific transportation and safety planning areas, and an Implementation Tool to help users identify specific actions to move forward with transportation safety integration.
- To inform the contents of the Technical Report, recent literature and web site resources were reviewed and a 12-person Technical Oversight Working Group was formed. Web sites reviewed for resources and literature included the Transportation Research Board (TRB) TRID database; the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO); Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sites, specifically the Rural and Small Community Transportation Planning page, the Safety page, and the Planning page; the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC); the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA); and the websites for a number of RPOs. The literature search revealed that publications do not specifically address safety integration in the RPO transportation planning process. However, a number of literature and web resources were useful and relevant to this research. They fell into four broad categories, including: 1) transportation safety planning from the urban or statewide perspective; 2) discrete safety tools and/or strategies; 3) different processes or frameworks for transportation decision-making; and 4) other issues important to RPO planners (i.e., economy, land use). In addition to the literature search, the report also is based on input from the TOWG. The TOWG was comprised of planners from seven regional planning agencies, two departments of transportation, and representatives from FHWA.
- Purpose of slide is to convey the safety issues in rural areas and the importance of transportation safety planning for rural areas. The most recent Census data indicates that 19 percent of the United States population lives in rural areas, but rural fatalities account for 54 percent of all fatalities. In other words, in 2012 18,170 fatalities occurred on rural roadways. Some of the major factors contributing to crashes on rural roads include: exposure – people who live in rural communities generally travel more in their automobiles and over further distances, increasing the likelihood of a crash; public transportation and bicycle and pedestrian networks may be insufficient, forcing people to travel by car or risk unsafe circumstances on alternative modes; rural roadways typically have higher speed limits, which increase the severity of crashes when they occur; physical limitations of rural roadways between mountains or water creates narrower lanes; wildlife and weather conditions, such as rock slides, often affect rural roadways more significantly than in urban areas, and rural roadways may have more curves, making roads more challenging to navigate
- Regional planning organizations (RPOs) are poised to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) and local officials in addressing the safety needs in nonmetropolitan areas through regional planning processes. By identifying transportation safety needs in RPO transportation plans, funding for safety countermeasures or other transportation improvements can be programmed into transportation improvement programs (S/TIPs). Picture – Before and After picture in NC. This project was completed in the RPO region as a result of a speed study conducted by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council area and illustrates the difference safety planning can make in a region.
- Every RPO engages in some type of planning process to understand the regional transportation issues and needs, either through the development of a regional plan, by providing input into the statewide plan, or coordinating the development of other planning documents. The terminology may differ across agencies, but the basic elements of a transportation planning process include: Public Involvement and Outreach, Multidisciplinary Coordination and Input, Data Collection and Analysis (Problem Identification), Development of Goals and Objectives, Identification of Performance Measures and Targets, Project Prioritization and Programming, and Monitoring and Evaluation. During the development of a regional plan, identifying and collecting input for a statewide plan, or working on another type of plan (i.e. corridor plan, bike/ped plan) the opportunity exists to incorporate safety into all of the planning tasks listed on the right.
- The objective of this project is to provide regional planners in non-metropolitan areas (RPOS) with methods for integrating safety into each of the planning tasks, with the goal of incorporating safety into all the elements to help planners address multimodal safety needs.
- RPO Planners are well positioned to address safety consideration in their regions. Some of the tools they have, include: 1. RPOs’ structure naturally provides a forum for identifying regional issues and priorities and engaging with diverse stakeholders, in addition to local governments. Transportation safety planning requires input across a number of disciplines, so the ability to convene, lead, and facilitate conversations further enhances communication efforts on safety. 2. RPOs commonly conduct public involvement activities -gathering information about how the public views safety and where/what the biggest concerns are. RPOs can complete public outreach within existing activities. 3. RPOs are connected regularly to local officials through Policy Committee meetings and other interactions – this can be used as an opportunity to convey the importance of safety on a regular basis. 4. RPOs have experience leading or supporting long-range planning processes and/or other state, regional, and local transportation planning efforts. This provides valuable insights into how safety connects with operations, congestion, livable communities, the economy, land use decisions, and other issues. 5. Two common RPO positions are planners and geographic information system (GIS) professionals. As a result, RPOs often have data analysis and crash mapping capabilities. 6. It is a challenge for state DOTs to coordinate with many small jurisdictions, but RPOs are the “boots on the ground” that provide services to member agencies and officials, which could include assistance to understand the individual jurisdiction’s safety concerns. 7. Elected officials are often identified as champions because of their leadership role and ability to advocate for safety projects. However, RPO planners can also be champions and lead safety efforts in other ways. Two opportunities include engaging in frequent conversations with decision-makers about the importance of safety; and identifying opportunities for the RPO to engage in transportation safety, perhaps through a road safety audit program or bicycle/pedestrian safety campaign.
- This next sections describes all of the planning tasks, including strategies for incorporating safety into each one.
- The purpose of public involvement and outreach during the planning process is to solicit input to inform planning decisions. Safety can be incorporated into that process by asking the public and stakeholders about safety issues and needs.
- A key function of the transportation planning process is soliciting input from stakeholders, local officials, and the public to inform decisions regarding regional priorities. Public involvement is not a Federal requirement for RPOs, but it may be required by state legislation or the state DOT. RPOs may conduct public involvement for long-range transportation plans, corridor studies, arterial plans, or other modal documents. The agencies benefit from discussing safety during public involvement activities by collecting information and using it to inform the goals and objectives in planning documents. A number of methods are used to conduct public involvement activities, especially since the Internet and social media has exponentially increased the number of strategies used by people to receive and send information. Safety objectives can be worked into outreach techniques or become an outreach focus. Strategies are outlined below. Survey and Comment Cards – These tools help agencies collect qualitative information about key issues. Soliciting information by asking safety specific questions provides planners with input as to whether safety problems exist and the extent to which they are perceived as an issue throughout the region. The questions on the right provide sample questions to ask in either an online format or at an open house. Open Houses –Bringing safety into conversations during these meetings increases the likelihood the public and stakeholders will see safety as a priority for the RPO region. Public meetings typically include presentation slides, presentation boards, maps, and/or handouts. Including information on crash data or discussions about general safety concerns helps attendees better understand and make informed decisions about transportation safety. Outreach Materials - Websites and newsletters are other methods for reaching and informing the public. Including regional, local, community agency or statewide transportation safety information and links on websites is one option to highlight safety. Even if the region is not fully engaged in safety activities, providing a link to the state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) provides the public with an opportunity to learn about the major transportation safety issues throughout the state. Another option is to designate a safety section or safety article in newsletters.
- A valuable place to begin transportation safety discussions in your region is to define what safety means to your agency, stakeholders, and the public. Transportation legislation provides the basic framework for including safety in the transportation planning process (safety is one of the planning factors). Deciding and identifying how to provide safe facilities for all users is at the discretion of the planning agency and interested stakeholders. In general, transportation safety refers to reducing fatalities, serious injuries, and economic loss resulting from crashes on the transportation system.
- A valuable place to begin transportation safety discussions in your region is to define what safety means to your agency, stakeholders, and the public. Transportation legislation provides the basic framework for including safety in the transportation planning process (safety is one of the planning factors). Deciding and identifying how to provide safe facilities for all users is at the discretion of the planning agency and interested stakeholders. In general, transportation safety refers to reducing fatalities, serious injuries, and economic loss resulting from crashes on the transportation system.
- The purpose of multidisciplinary coordination during the planning process is to use stakeholder committees to inform planning decisions. Safety can be incorporated into that process by discussing safety during committee meetings, identifying safety stakeholders to include on committees, or by hosting safety workshops.
- Since safety is multidisciplinary in nature, potential safety stakeholders (which are non-traditional partners in the transportation planning process) to consider for an existing committee or to start a safety committee could include: representatives from law enforcement, emergency response, education, engineering, and different modes, such as transit, bicycle, and pedestrian. And some agencies have decided to add a 5th “E,” which is everyone. This could include safe communities groups, local safety groups (MADD), bike/ped advocates, etc. Including individuals that may not address safety issues on a regular basis, but have an interest in it, can also stimulate conversation and bring unique perspectives to the topic.
- The multimodal, multidisciplinary nature of safety means it can be included on the meeting agenda for any RPO committee (e.g., policy, technical, citizens, or modal/topic). RPO policy committees are predominantly made up of locally elected officials and state DOT officials (other individuals, such as county/city manager may participate). The benefits to including safety topics on the agenda include: providing local elected officials with background on multimodal safety issues to help them make informed decisions about safety priorities and potentially champion future efforts. RPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) typically consists of state DOT officials, local planners, transit officials, county engineers, city/county managers, and public works representatives. The benefits of discussing crash data or other safety topics during these meetings is it exposes committee members to safety concerns. This increases the likelihood that safety goals and objectives will be identified or incorporated in planning documents, leading to the development of programs and projects. Safety does not need to be incorporated into every meeting agenda, but regular updates would be beneficial. Stakeholders on modal and special interest committees, such as freight, economic development, bicycle and pedestrian, and environment can also benefit from regular conversations regarding transportation safety. The purpose is to evaluate safety issues and needs from a modal or issue-area perspective and share that information for consideration during plan development. For instance, members of a bicycle and pedestrian committee would likely have insights into factors contributing to crashes, crash locations, and roadway treatments to reduce bicycle fatalities and serious injuries. The citizens committee is made up of citizens and they discuss an array of topics important to the people that live in the region. Any safety issues or concerns identified through surveys or during public meetings should be discussed with this committee along with possible solutions that can be implemented considering the public’s input. To the right of the slide is a list of topic ideas that can be used for any of the committee meetings.
- To the right of the slide is a list of topic ideas that can be used for any of the committee meetings. If you have a regular set of actions to be taken at each of your committee meetings to address your planning cycles, add a concrete discussion of safety to the list for one of those pre-programmed meetings, such as a once a year update on safety data. Something related to safety could be included in every meeting, with a different topic each time. Committee meetings are a good way to enhance multidisciplinary coordination. Instead of inviting safety stakeholders to join a committee right away, you could invite their participation to present in the agenda, and thereby get them to attend a meeting and interact with other stakeholders.
- Some RPOs may want to establish safety committees to address planning needs. Every Iowa RTPO and MPO has or intends to have a regional multidisciplinary safety team (MDST). At initial meetings, key transportation and safety players in the region are identified for the committee. They typically include, planners, engineers, law enforcement, emergency response, incident response, Iowa DOT central and district staff, and Iowa State University (ISU) Institute for Transportation staff. Meetings during this time consist of many different activities (e.g., facilitated safety discussions, safety audits, crash analysis workshops, and construction zone management). All applicable activities are incorporated into RTPO/MPO planning and programming.
- Some RPOs may want to establish safety committees to address planning needs. Every Iowa RTPO and MPO has or intends to have a regional multidisciplinary safety team (MDST). At initial meetings, key transportation and safety players in the region are identified for the committee. They typically include, planners, engineers, law enforcement, emergency response, incident response, Iowa DOT central and district staff, and Iowa State University (ISU) Institute for Transportation staff. Meetings during this time consist of many different activities (e.g., facilitated safety discussions, safety audits, crash analysis workshops, and construction zone management). All applicable activities are incorporated into RTPO/MPO planning and programming.
- Outside of the regularly scheduled committee meetings, which are typically used to discuss business items, opportunities exist to engage stakeholders in conversations about transportation safety issues. One to two-day workshops or summits have been hosted by RPOs, state DOTs, or in partnership to discuss crash data, safety goals and objectives, and strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. Some of the workshops focus more on education, providing participants with an overview of safety planning activities in the state. Other workshops are used more as “working sessions,” educating stakeholders on transportation safety issues, but also asking them to provide input into future safety projects and priorities. The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance partnered with the regional planning commissions in Vermont to host Regional Highway Safety Forums. The purpose of the safety forums was to establish relationships between regional safety stakeholders; begin to discuss the sharing of resources; and identify highway safety issues specific to each region. Key participants at each forum included local and regional law enforcement, emergency management services, fire departments, select boards, planners, engineers, driver’s education professionals, and all highway safety stakeholders in the region.
- The purpose of data collection and analysis during the planning process is to identify regional trends and issues. Safety can be incorporated into that process by utilizing crash and other safety data (roadway characteristics) to understand the issues in your region and use that information to identify goals, objectives, and programs and projects.
- RPO planners can utilize crash data, traffic volumes, roadway characteristic data, public input, and data from other planning documents to make decisions about safety goals, objectives/strategies, and programs/projects. To obtain quantitative data sets (crash, traffic volumes, and roadway characteristics), the best place to start is with the state DOT, contacting either the RPO planning liaison or someone in the state safety office to identify the available data. When inquiring, it is important to clarify whether raw data or DOT-generated reports would be more useful to the planning process, which will depend on staff time and analysis capabilities. Other agencies to contact regarding data availability are MPOs, local law enforcement agencies, local technical assistance program (LTAP) and Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) staff, and local safety agencies/organizations (e.g., National Safety Council chapter or Mothers Against Drunk Driving), who usually maintain data sets in specific safety areas. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) also is a respected data resource. Crash data can be found by reviewing other planning documents, especially the SHSP, which addresses common crash types. Qualitative data can be collected through surveys, workshops, open houses, or other public involvement techniques. For RPOs with limited staff, time, or access to data, this can be a good starting point for understanding regional safety issues.
- Once data sources have been identified, the next step is to retrieve the information. Some state DOTs provide access to crash data through an on-line interface, which requires minimal effort to retrieve, although effectively using the data may require training or assistance from the DOT or a third party. For example, the Ohio DOT provides access to crash data on all public roads through the GIS Crash Analysis Tool (GCAT), and they also offer detailed training to planners in the State, including the RPOs (see graphic on the left). The Iowa DOT uses a similar approach with their Crash Mapping and Analysis Tool (CMAT), providing an accessible interface and training to the RPOs. Other states may not provide this level of access to the data, but can provide raw data or user-friendly reports, such as high-crash location reports, to RPOs. To obtain access to crash data or reports, RPOs should contact the DOT planning liaison or the state safety engineer (example of process used in CA to distribute data to RTPOs).
- Once data sources have been identified, the next step is to retrieve the information. Some state DOTs provide access to crash data through an on-line interface, which requires minimal effort to retrieve, although effectively using the data may require training or assistance from the DOT or a third party. For example, the Ohio DOT provides access to crash data on all public roads through the GIS Crash Analysis Tool (GCAT), and they also offer detailed training to planners in the State, including the RPOs (see graphic on the left). The Iowa DOT uses a similar approach with their Crash Mapping and Analysis Tool (CMAT), providing an accessible interface and training to the RPOs. Other states may not provide this level of access to the data, but can provide raw data or user-friendly reports, such as high-crash location reports, to RPOs. To obtain access to crash data or reports, RPOs should contact the DOT planning liaison or the state safety engineer (example of process used in CA to distribute data to RTPOs).
- A number of approaches are available to analyze or review crash data sets. These can be used independently of each other or in combination (as shown in example on right side of slide). A common approach is for DOTs or RPOs (if they have analysis capabilities) to develop high-crash location reports for corridors and/or intersections. Information regarding high-crash locations can be incorporated into short- and long-range transportation planning. High-crash reports stress immediate safety needs, aiding in the prioritization of safety countermeasures in the near-term. This information can also be used to conduct road safety audits to glean additional information about the causes of the crashes and recommend solutions. Identified solutions in one location may be applied immediately, but the audits could also capture information about certain roadway characteristics and crash concerns, to make recommendations at future locations with similar characteristics. GIS mapping also is a useful tool for RPOs. Spatial analysis is a useful tool to identify where fatalities and serious injuries occur, crash clusters, crash magnitude, and/or the types of crashes. For instance, all the rural planning district commissions in Virginia used crash maps to conduct safety assessments, which later identified deficiencies such as sight distance and visibility, access management, and inadequate signage. Crash frequency is a basic way of conducting analysis. It is defined as the number of crashes that have occurred across the regional network, by member jurisdiction, or more specifically, at a given roadway section or intersection. Trend analysis is a useful tool to monitor increases and decreases in fatalities and serious injuries over a certain number of years to understand whether any changes are occurring for different safety issue areas or crash types. Crash rates need exposure data to calculate, examples include traffic volume data (either Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) or Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) numbers). However, crash data, combined with traffic volumes can be used to depict the number of crashes in a given period as compared to the traffic volume. Crash Types and Contributing Factors use frequency or rate data to determine the prevalence of types of crashes (i.e. read-end, angle crash, intersection) and the contributing factors to the crash (run off the road, impaired driving, speed). Crashes in rural areas tend to be spread out so the systemic approach is beneficial because safety improvements are identified based on high-risk roadway features, not high-crash locations. Systemic analysis is a risk-based approach and works by identifying common roadway characteristics associated with crashes across the road network. Network analysis identified where on the system crashes are overrepresented.
- A number of approaches are available to analyze or review crash data sets. These can be used independently of each other or in combination (as shown in example on right side of slide). A common approach is for DOTs or RPOs (if they have analysis capabilities) to develop high-crash location reports for corridors and/or intersections. Information regarding high-crash locations can be incorporated into short- and long-range transportation planning. High-crash reports stress immediate safety needs, aiding in the prioritization of safety countermeasures in the near-term. This information can also be used to conduct road safety audits to glean additional information about the causes of the crashes and recommend solutions. Identified solutions in one location may be applied immediately, but the audits could also capture information about certain roadway characteristics and crash concerns, to make recommendations at future locations with similar characteristics. GIS mapping also is a useful tool for RPOs. Spatial analysis is a useful tool to identify where fatalities and serious injuries occur, crash clusters, crash magnitude, and/or the types of crashes. For instance, all the rural planning district commissions in Virginia used crash maps to conduct safety assessments, which later identified deficiencies such as sight distance and visibility, access management, and inadequate signage. Crash frequency is a basic way of conducting analysis. It is defined as the number of crashes that have occurred across the regional network, by member jurisdiction, or more specifically, at a given roadway section or intersection. Trend analysis is a useful tool to monitor increases and decreases in fatalities and serious injuries over a certain number of years to understand whether any changes are occurring for different safety issue areas or crash types. Crash rates need exposure data to calculate, examples include traffic volume data (either Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) or Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) numbers). However, crash data, combined with traffic volumes can be used to depict the number of crashes in a given period as compared to the traffic volume. Crash Types and Contributing Factors use frequency or rate data to determine the prevalence of types of crashes (i.e. read-end, angle crash, intersection) and the contributing factors to the crash (run off the road, impaired driving, speed). Crashes in rural areas tend to be spread out so the systemic approach is beneficial because safety improvements are identified based on high-risk roadway features, not high-crash locations. Systemic analysis is a risk-based approach and works by identifying common roadway characteristics associated with crashes across the road network. Network analysis identified where on the system crashes are overrepresented.
- The purpose of setting goals and objectives during the planning process is to identify the desired outcomes for the transportation system and how those outcomes can be achieved. Safety can be incorporated into that process by using public/stakeholder input and the results of the crash data analysis to develop safety goals and ideas to achieve them.
- Using opportunities to solicit input from the public and stakeholders, specifically on transportation safety issues, will provide a starting point to understanding whether or not safety is a priority in the RPO region (does the region have a high number of fatalities and serious injuries?) and for which areas (are the crashes occurring predominately at intersections or because of speeding?). The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments used a public-input survey and a safety focus group to better understand the regional safety issues. For example, as part of the survey, the COG learned that safety improvements were very important to almost one-half of the respondents (second behind ongoing maintenance and preservation), completing missing sidewalk segments was a priority for 48 percent of respondents, and improving crosswalk safety was important to 46 percent of respondents. Survey information from the public and stakeholders can be used to develop goals and objectives for the plan as seen in the example on the bottom right.
- To effectively focus resources, it is essential to identify crash types predominantly contributing to the regional safety problem. RPO staff, typically in coordination with DOT staff, can obtain crash data and analyze the information in-house or often, the DOT will conduct the analyses on behalf of the RPO and provide the results. Regardless of approach, all or some combination of the following data, can be used to understand the key transportation safety issues: overall number of crashes in a rural region (crash frequency), crash frequency by jurisdiction, crash rates, crash densities along roadways and intersections, and contributing crash factors. Reviewing these data can help a rural region understand if safety is indeed a concern for the region or jurisdiction, the primary issue areas (e.g., roadways, pedestrians, intersections, young drivers, or roadway departures), where these issues are occurring (at what segments or intersections), and crash characteristics (e.g., rear-end, head-on, impaired driving). All or some combination of the data can inform transportation safety goals and objectives/strategies to lower fatalities and serious injuries. Two examples of how to use data to develop goals and objectives are shown on this slide.
- The safety goals and objectives in other planning documents also can be utilized in RPO transportation planning documents, where applicable and relevant. Reviewing transportation plans also will ensure consistency in goal areas across the region. Key documents to review and express support for in a RPO LRTP would at a minimum include the state’s SHSP, the statewide and metropolitan long-range transportation plans, and local comprehensive plans. Other plans may include useful goal information such as the statewide or regional bicycle/pedestrian plans, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plans, economic development plans (CEDS), and freight plans.
- The purpose of setting performance measures and targets during the planning process is to have a means to track and evaluate progress towards transportation goals. Safety can be incorporated into that process by developing measures and identifying targets to track safety goals, objectives, and/or programs and projects.
- This slide depict a performance based planning approach, and focuses on the direct relationship between transportation goals/objectives and performance measures. On the right are two examples of the relationship between established goals and performance measures.
- The identification of safety performance measures relies on past and current data, which describes the regions’ crash patterns and trends. Although potential challenges exist when trying to access, analyze, or receive up-to-date data, a minimum amount of information on crashes and trends can help RPOs begin to understand past system performance and make predictions about future performance. This data can be used to convey the need to develop safety goals, help identify related performance measures, and be used to set a target. The most basic level of data needed to do this includes: Total number of fatalities and serious injuries for the system can be used. The top graphic depicts an example of annual data and the associated performance measure. The challenge with using annual numbers is they typically show sharp increases or decreases, resulting from external circumstances. However, annual numbers can generally convey the magnitude of a problem and can help RPOs, at a minimum, prioritize safety goal areas and set performance measures. Three to five-year rolling averages, where multiple years of safety data are averaged, are more commonly used to track crash data to set performance measures and eventually targets.
- Identification of annual or average trends can lead to the development of safety targets for fatalities and serious injuries as well as by specific goal areas if applicable (i.e. intersections, bicyclists, pedestrians). The example on the slide depicts two targets – the yellow bars show a linear target, which projects how the trend would look if held constant in the future, while the purple line shows annual reductions based on a 3.4% annual reduction, established in the SHSP. Once options for targets have been identified, transportation stakeholders can decide together what type of target is appropriate for the region. Some regions may be aggressive while others will look to achieve modest decreases over time. In lieu of developing regional targets, RPO planners may also choose to support statewide performance measures and targets. This can be accomplished by referencing the statewide goals, objectives, and targets in regional transportation plans. The purpose would be to explicitly state how the regions’ efforts toward a set of shared safety goals and objectives will help to reach the state’s target. Graph depicts sample data from RI.
- The purpose of project prioritization and programming during the planning process is to have a process in place to select transportation programs and projects that meet the goals and objectives in the planning document. Safety can be incorporated into that process by incorporating safety weights/criteria into the decision-making process for all transportation projects and by prioritizing safety specific projects.
- Some RPOs have incorporated safety evaluation criteria into the project selection process for roadway, bicycle, or pedestrian transportation projects. The goal is to improve the likelihood that when construction, maintenance, mobility, accessibility, and other transportation decisions are made, safety is a weighted consideration. Project prioritization can be qualitative, quantitative, or both. During a qualitative evaluation, scoring categories, as well as the number of points assigned to them, should refer back to the goals and objectives set in the regional plan so that the projects that receive the highest scores are the ones that demonstrably support the region’s vision. This example is from the Fresno COG (CA).The example shows a portion of the scoring process for street and roadway projects. Project are ranked on a number of different criteria including air quality, level of service, environmental sensitivity, but safety is also incorporated into the overall score.
- The overall safety score can be inclusive of technical considerations. This is a quantitative approach to scoring projects and is dependent upon data analyses. Under this approach, highway or multimodal projects that address a crash problem will receive additional points. To receive safety points, these projects may address high-crash locations, areas with high-crash frequencies or crash severity, or other factors. The Southeast Iowa RPC allocates Surface Transportation Program funds through a competitive application process. Projects are rated on six different criteria, including safety. Safety score is assessed by comparing crash rates on the proposed facility with state rates and what proportion of the project cost will go toward safety improvements.
- While integrating safety considerations into every transportation project is beneficial to maintain a safe system for the future, RPOs also identify safety-specific projects to address roadway safety issues. While some RPOs have identified prioritization processes for safety projects, many state DOTs have developed approaches to prioritize and program Highway Safety Improvement Program funds. This prioritization may involve the identification of countermeasures with the highest potential for mitigating risks in the state. For RPOs seeking to prioritize safety projects or identify low-cost countermeasures, contacting the state safety engineer will provide insight into the scoring process, which could be customized to meet regional needs. Other places to look for low cost safety countermeasures include: FHWA proven countermeasures (http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/) and NCHRP Report 500 series (http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/152868.aspx), the NHTSA Countermeasures That Work (http://www.ghsa.org/html/publications/countermeasures.html). A number of RPOs also lead road safety audits, using the results to identify safety projects and coordinate with DOT staff on priorities. For instance, three RPOs in Missouri, the Mo-Kan Regional Council, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, and Green Hills Regional Planning Commission have institutionalized an annual road safety audit (RSA) program. The RPOs schedule one RSA in each region every spring. Following the completion of an RSA report, the communities receiving the RSA may be eligible for HSIP funding. Photos: far left and far right – low cost safety treatments in the North Central Pennsylvania RPDC region; middle – road safety audit in rural community in Louisiana.
- The purpose of monitoring and evaluation during the planning process is to determine whether transportation programs and projects are achieving the desired results and determine a new course of action if necessary. Safety can be incorporated into that process by regularly tracking performance for the safety goals, objectives, and/or programs and projects in planning documents.
- At this point in the process, available data has already been identified and performance measures established, so the purpose of monitoring and evaluation is to interpret the results of the data, allocate resources, and continuously review progress towards performance measures and targets. Trend data, allows planners to initially identify goal areas in which to invest and later, identify how those investments are moving the needle on fatality and serious injury reductions, informing future resource allocation. The figure depicts sample data, showing trends for three safety goal areas over the course of six years. In 2008, funding was programmed for young driver and intersection projects, as the data showed these were the biggest safety problems in the region. By tracking the data, it show that over time, serious injuries in both emphasis areas declined. Bicycle injuries, however, which appeared to be declining at the time, are now increasing. Monitoring information in this way, help planners evaluate where to make investments moving forward. For instance, even though intersections show decline after 2008, it does not necessarily mean funding and project/program implementation should cease in that area. And young driver serious injuries are now lower than bicycle injuries, so perhaps additional funding should go towards bicycle programs/projects.
- Different tools can be used to track outcome measures (i.e. fatality and serious injury count totals) and output measures (i.e. progress in completing actions steps or projects). Planners may want to take a high-level quantitative look at each of the safety objectives in planning documents to understand to what extent they are being implemented. The table at the top of the slide provides an example tracking template, which planners can use to comment on objectives or document the specific actions implemented to achieve the objectives. Planners may just want to monitor progress towards the goals in the plan and can do so by setting up a tracking tool in excel. The figure at the bottom provides an example. Monitoring can also occur at the project level using before and after project analysis. As part of a speed study for Randolph County (NC), the Piedmont Triad RPO reviewed the outcomes of converting a four-lane road to a two-lane road, with a middle turning lane. The evaluation showed an increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclist using the road, and decreases in speed and the injury rate, which were the major goals of the study. The middle figure on the right depict before and after results. Top left table is not from an agency – example was created by consultant team. Middle graphic is from the Piedmont Triad RPO. Bottom graphic is from the South Central Regional Planning Development Commission.
- Different tools can be used to track outcome measures (i.e. fatality and serious injury count totals) and output measures (i.e. progress in completing actions steps or projects). Planners may want to take a high-level quantitative look at each of the safety objectives in planning documents to understand to what extent they are being implemented. The table at the top of the slide provides an example tracking template, which planners can use to comment on objectives or document the specific actions implemented to achieve the objectives. Planners may just want to monitor progress towards the goals in the plan and can do so by setting up a tracking tool in excel. The figure at the bottom provides an example. Monitoring can also occur at the project level using before and after project analysis. As part of a speed study for Randolph County (NC), the Piedmont Triad RPO reviewed the outcomes of converting a four-lane road to a two-lane road, with a middle turning lane. The evaluation showed an increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclist using the road, and decreases in speed and the injury rate, which were the major goals of the study. The middle figure on the right depict before and after results. Top left table is not from an agency – example was created by consultant team. Middle graphic is from the Piedmont Triad RPO. Bottom graphic is from the South Central Regional Planning Development Commission.
- Different tools can be used to track outcome measures (i.e. fatality and serious injury count totals) and output measures (i.e. progress in completing actions steps or projects). Planners may want to take a high-level quantitative look at each of the safety objectives in planning documents to understand to what extent they are being implemented. The table at the top of the slide provides an example tracking template, which planners can use to comment on objectives or document the specific actions implemented to achieve the objectives. Planners may just want to monitor progress towards the goals in the plan and can do so by setting up a tracking tool in excel. The figure at the bottom provides an example. Monitoring can also occur at the project level using before and after project analysis. As part of a speed study for Randolph County (NC), the Piedmont Triad RPO reviewed the outcomes of converting a four-lane road to a two-lane road, with a middle turning lane. The evaluation showed an increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclist using the road, and decreases in speed and the injury rate, which were the major goals of the study. The middle figure on the right depict before and after results. Top left table is not from an agency – example was created by consultant team. Middle graphic is from the Piedmont Triad RPO. Bottom graphic is from the South Central Regional Planning Development Commission.
- At the end of each planning section is a worksheet, designed to assist RPOs and DOTs understand how current assets can be leveraged to better consider safety in regional planning processes, consider any challenges that may inhibit progress, and identify future opportunities to plan for a safer system. The worksheets can be used as a collaborative tool. Planners can review one or more of the planning sections together and discuss institutional challenges and opportunities to incorporating safety into the planning task. This approach could be expanded to include DOT staff. Including district, division, or headquarters representation may enhance access to funding, data, or tools to implement identified strategies. The worksheets could also be used as an activity during public, stakeholder and/or committee meetings. It is an opportunity to engage multiple disciplines to identify a list of potential strategies. In addition, agencies besides the DOT may have access to resources to assist with implementation. Once strategies have been identified for all or some of the planning tasks using the worksheets, the next step is to select the top priority planning areas and address them through the development of specific action steps, using the Implementation Plan. Moving forward, consider forming a small, focused team to select priority safety planning tasks, refine strategies for addressing the tasks, and completing the process by identifying specific action steps for accomplishing the strategies.
- Up to now, the slides have discussed how to integrate safety into existing regional transportation planning processes, but RPOs may need to develop a standalone transportation safety plan. Essentially the same set of planning steps are undertaken (i.e. public involvement, multidisciplinary coordination, data collection and analysis, etc), but the focus of the planning effort is specifically on safety. So for example, during the transportation planning process an RPO may add safety stakeholders to existing committees to obtain safety input, but for the development of a safety plan, an RPO may want to create a new safety committee, with regional representation from multimodal planning, engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency response, to oversee and develop the safety plan. These are the steps for developing a safety plan and one good example of an RPO Plan is the North Central Pennsylvania RDPC North Central Regional Safety Study. The Plan identifies the safety issues on the core roadway system related to motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit services. The ultimate goal of the Plan is to outline specific safety improvements within the six-county region that best accommodates multiple modes of travel.
- Appendix A of the Report includes four case studies, which provide additional practitioner examples/ideas for incorporating safety into planning tasks and developing a stand-alone safety plan.
- Appendix B of the Report lists and summarizes research reports, planning documents, and websites that are relevant to and have informed this Report. The resources are organized around the topics shown on the slide.