What is Data-Driven Safety Analysis?

Using tools to analyze crash and roadway data to predict the safety impacts of highway projects allows agencies to target investments with more confidence and reduce severe crashes on the roadways.

Traditional crash and roadway analysis methods mostly rely on subjective or limited quantitative measures of safety performance. This makes it difficult to calculate safety impacts alongside other criteria when planning projects. Data-driven safety analysis (DDSA) employs newer, evidence-based models that provide state and local agencies with the means to quantify safety impacts alongside other impacts such as environmental effects, traffic operations and pavement life.

Learn more about this EDC-3 and EDC-4 Innovation.

NJ Advances DDSA

Stage of Innovation:
ASSESSMENT (December 2018)

During EDC-3 and EDC-4, New Jersey worked to advance Data-Driven Safety Analysis through the following activities:

Piloted the Use of Safety Analyst for Network Screening. NJDOT, in coordination with a consultant, piloted the use of the AASHTOWare software, Safety Analyst, in Burlington County to evaluate the feasibility of a full scale roll out for the entire state.

Expanded Understanding of Substantive Safety. Local Safety Peer Exchanges were held in association with the state's MPOs.

Developed Policy for Use of Highway Safety Manual (HSM) in Design Exceptions. NJDOT staff and external partners met and formed a committtee to review the pros and cons of a new policy. Additional meetings and trainings are needed to continue to educate stakeholders.

DATA-DRIVEN SAFETY: NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Research Spotlight: Calibration and Development of  Safety Performance Functions for New Jersey

Research Spotlight: Calibration and Development of Safety Performance Functions for New Jersey

Researchers from NYU and Rutgers calibrated the Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) provided in the Highway Safety Manual using NJ data. The facility types considered for ...
Data-Driven Safety Analysis: New Jersey Case Study

Data-Driven Safety Analysis: New Jersey Case Study

NJDOT, in partnership with the DVRPC and Burlington County officials, used predictive safety analysis tools to help secure funding for a modern roundabout at a ...
Local Safety Peer Exchanges: Summary Report

Local Safety Peer Exchanges: Summary Report

The Local Safety Peer Exchange Summary Report describes a series of peer exchange events that highlighted local initiatives that demonstrate best practice in addressing traffic ...
Local Peer Safety Exchange – 3rd Event

Local Peer Safety Exchange – 3rd Event

The third event in the series to discuss local initiatives that demonstrate best practice in addressing traffic safety was held on March 26, 2019. ...
New Jersey To Expand Data-Driven Approach to Highway Safety Management

New Jersey To Expand Data-Driven Approach to Highway Safety Management

Aided by STIC funding, NJDOT pilots a sofware package to proactively identify sites for safety improvement. ...
Local Safety Peer Exchange – 2nd Event

Local Safety Peer Exchange – 2nd Event

The second event in the series to discuss local initiatives that demonstrate best practice in addressing traffic safety was held on June 13th. ...