Research Project:

Evaluation Framework for the Creation and Analysis of Integrated Spatially-referenced Driver-Crash Databases

Principal Investigator

Tim Strauss
University of Northern Iowa
319-273-7467
tim.strauss@uni.edu

Problem Description

The proposed project would examine the potential of, and constraints to, the integration of driver records and crash records in a spatially-referenced GIS environment. Linking driver data to spatially-referenced GIS crash data may yield better information on crash types, frequencies, and locations associated with drivers, with the aim of better focusing countermeasures. In particular, this linkage could be used to address the issue of problem drivers, those responsible for a disproportionate number of crashes. Linking driver records with crash records has the potential to improve analysis in several ways.

The degree to which a small percentage of drivers may be involved in a large percentage of crashes can be identified, as well as the locations of these drivers’ crashes and spatial variations in the importance of the problem driver issue. The home addresses of drivers, especially problem drivers, involved in crashes can be geo-coded, and the relationship between home residence and crash location patterns and types of crashes can be evaluated. In addition, driver citation histories and their relationship to subsequent crash types and locations can be analyzed.

Despite the potential of such spatially-referenced driver-crash data integration and analysis, there are various concerns to be addressed. These possible constraints involve: technical issues related to the integration of the data files and their representation in GIS; administrative concerns regarding data collection, management, and linkage; and legal/confidentiality concerns related to the use of personal information. This project will attempt to identify strategies to address these concerns.

The overall intent of the proposed project, therefore, would be to identify uses of an integrated spatially-referenced database, to evaluate methods for creating and managing such a database, and to address potential problems and constraints (e.g., technical, administrative, legal, confidentiality). The project will conclude with recommendations for future activities related to driver-crash data integration. Phase II of this project, contingent on future funding, will include the database linkage and safety research applications.

Research Objectives

Identify current practice with respect to management of driver data and crash data.
Identify potential applications of integrated spatially-referenced driver-crash data.
Identify concerns/constraints related to data integration and analysis.
Identify possible strategies to address constraints.
Provide recommendations and conclusions.

Project Period

January 2008–August 2008

Deliverables

A final report will be completed at the end of the project. The final report will contain the following elements:

Summary of current driver data and crash data practices related to data integration.
Potential applications of integrated, spatially-referenced driver-crash data.
Possible technical, administrative, legal, and confidentiality constraints.
Strategies to address constraints.
Recommendations and conclusions.

Technology Transfer

Technology transfer activities will be conducted through presentations to transportation professionals in a variety of settings, such as the Iowa Statewide Traffic Records Coordinating Committee and annual meetings of the Transportation Research Board and the Association of American Geographers. Possible publication outlets include the Transportation Research Record and the Journal of Transport Geography.

Budget

$29,974: $14,987 MTC / $14,987 Match