Linking various traffic records databases can provide numerous benefits. It allows for more targeted enforcement in areas with frequent crashes, easier identification of repeat DUI offenders, and the ability to evaluate safety programs. However, developing these linkages requires addressing questions about data access and use, and creating an inventory of existing data systems. Strategies to establish a data-driven traffic safety model include identifying safety goals, coordinating stakeholder efforts, monitoring data, and sharing outcomes.

1. Linking Traffic Records
Data Systems
Scott Silverii, PhD and Joanna S. Reed
27 December 2013

2. 1
the VISION
To encourage highway safety partners in pursuing Traffic Records data system linkages
for reducing social harms and achieving organizational goals associated with the
elimination of traffic crashes.
To create an environment that relies upon the sharing of linked information to support a
data-driven approach to location and problem-based traffic safety. Seamless
combinations of data build capacity for the originating agency, networked stakeholders,
and ultimately each State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
To realize the numerous benefits of linking databases including illustrations not entirely
specific to traffic. For example, reduced data entry minimizes entry errors; reduction of
individuals issued various driver licenses or IDs with alternative identities may reduce
welfare and health care fraud; and tax savings through fraud prevention rather than
fraud investigation.
the CHALLENGE
The first step in determining what data elements are best suited for linkage is to develop
a Traffic Records Inventory. Documentation of the elements within and the schema of
each of the applicable repositories will allow for easier and cleaner integration when
systems are built or upgraded. To create a Traffic Records Inventory, the following
questions should be considered:
- Who are the stakeholders with access to release linked data and under what
circumstances?
- What are the needs of each stakeholder, and what types of data can each
stakeholder provide?
- When will each stakeholder be technologically able to participate in data linkage,
and when will each stakeholder use the information within linkage repositories?
- Where will the linkage repositories be held?
- Why is data linkage so important and why should each stakeholder participate?
- How is stakeholder participation garnered, and how will each stakeholder benefit
from data linkage?

3. 2
the RESOURCES
Building a universal process to bridge these questions begins by understanding the
mutually beneficial nature of data linkages. Data submission and its creation of
actionable enforcement items allows for solution-based applications and measurable
evaluations.
Developing system inventory resources assists in determining the viability of data
linkages that are readily available for system upgrades and project planning. This allows
for the integration of all available data sources, system custodians, data elements and
attributes, and linkage variables to ultimately create seamless linkages useful to the
owners, collectors, users and access policies.
Relying on a foundation of the six core Traffic Records data systems (Crash, Vehicle,
Driver, Roadway, Citation/Adjudication, and EMS/Statewide Injury Surveillance), this
bridge building application becomes possible. Using the six Performance Attributes
(Timeliness, Accuracy, Completeness, Uniformity, Integration, and Accessibility),
promotes success in building those bridges that can be measured and maintained.
To see a complete list of NHTSA’s recommended Traffic Records performance
measures, see Model Performance Measures for State Traffic Records Systemsa.
the APPLICATIONS:
Following are examples of possible linkage applications:
1. Crash data linked to Citation / Adjudication data –
Benefits:
 Ensures that highly visible Law Enforcement is conducted within the areas
targeted for most frequent and serious injury crashes and traffic citations. Thus
reducing costs and directing resources where they are most effective. Also
provides a means of evaluating the success of the countermeasures applied
over time.
 Court records are instantly updated with the latest crash and citation data
uploaded from Law Enforcement; and in turn, Law Enforcement records are
instantly updated with the most current adjudications.

4. 3
 DUI offenders can be tracked all the way from arrest to adjudication. Repeat
offenders can be identified. Driver Licensing Authorities can ensure
reinstatement follows compliance with court ordered sanctions. Various
modalities of education and therapy can be evaluated for success. Evaluation of
prevention programs like 24/7 and Ignition Interlocks can be conducted. (See
NHTSA’s Model Impaired Driving Records Information Systems – MIDRISb)
Sample Performance Measures:
Performance measurement for linkage projects should be specific to the linked
data. For example, linking citation and crash data should allow for targeted
enforcement, which should, in turn, effectively reduce the number of crashes
attributable to the type of violation targeted:
 Percent reduction in speed-related crashes in 90 days following targeted
enforcement.
 The median or mean number of days from (a) the crash date to (b) the date the
crash report is entered into the database.
 The percentage of citation records with no errors in critical data elements.
2. Driver data linked to EMS/Statewide Injury Surveillance data –
Benefits:
 Allows tracking of individual at-risk drivers who may not appear in traffic
records through law enforcement citation data, but impose a serious threat to
the driving public due to unsafe driving practice and prior injury crashes
caused or involved in.
 Linking driver data to injuries resulting from crashes allows all state licensing
bureaus the ability to determine effectiveness of their administrative authority
and duty to grant, suspend or revoke driving privileges.
Sample Performance Measures:
 The percentage of driver records that have no errors in critical data elements.
 The percentage of EMS patient care reports with no missing critical data
elements.

5. 4
3. Roadway data linked to Crash data –
Benefits:
 Road and Traffic planners and engineers have access to the trafficways with
the most frequent and serious injury crashes and traffic citations, and
therefore can utilize resources most effectively.
 Law Enforcement Agencies have access to roadway inventory, GIS data, and
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per traffic way, and can therefore plan location
based enforcement strategies.
Sample Performance Measures:
 The percentage of total roadway segments that include location coordinates,
using measurement frames such as a GIS base map.
 The number of MMUCC-Compliantc data elements entered into the crash
database or obtained via linkage to other databases.
4. Vehicle and Driver data linked to Crash data –
Benefits:
 Law Enforcement Agencies can instantly verify in-state registered vehicles and
drivers
 Vehicle and Driver records can be instantly updated with crash and citation
information
 Data linkages of driver records and crash records help to ensure that
educational campaigns against drunk driving and seat belt non-compliance are
targeted at the correct demographic groups.
Sample Performance Measures:
 The percentage of in-state registered vehicles on the State crash file with
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matched to the State vehicle registration
file.
 The median or mean number of days from (a) the date of a critical status
change in the vehicle or driver record to (b) the date the status change is
entered into the database.

6. 5
the STRATEGY
Strategies for establishing a data-driven model through information sharing contains
key tactics for achieving the goals of all traffic safety partners. Elements include:
1. Identifying outcomes for reducing traffic safety challenges such as crashes, injuries
and aggressive or impaired driving.
2. Coordinating efforts between stakeholders to achieve traffic safety goals.
3. Recognizing core sets of data that add value to accomplishing the goal of reducing
social harms.
4. Establishing HSOs as the central information exchange for analytical capabilities that
provide countermeasures as determined by the submission of source data.
5. Monitoring and regular assessment of data to ensure effective application of
countermeasure strategies.
6. Sharing quantifiable outcomes for data driven, place-based operations through the
use of standardized pre and post treatment evaluations.
7. Promoting a strategic communications plan for sharing positive outcomes achieved
through the use of information networking.
8. Incorporating the Four Es (Enforcement, Engineering, Education, and EMS) into a
viable traffic safety approachd.
a United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Model Performance Measures for State
Traffic Records Systems. U.S. Department of Transportation, Feb. 2011. 9 December 2013 <http://www-
nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811441.pdf>.
b United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Model Impaired Driving Records
Information Systems – Tying Together Data Systems to Manage Impaired Drivers. U.S Department of
Transportation, Jul. 2011. 9 December 2013 <www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811489.pdf>.
c MMUCC – Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria. 9 December 2013 <http://www.mmucc.us/>.
d United States. Federal Highway Administration. Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). U.S.
Department of Transportation, 27 December 2013 <http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/shsp/>.