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National Model: Statewide Application of Data
Collection and
Management
Technology to Improve Highway Safety
BACKGROUND
Transportation and public safety agencies are under
pressure to protect the public by improving safety with fewer resources.
Increasingly, the agencies that are involved in transportation safety
are finding that they can improve performance by working together
and sharing information. The National Model is a partnership between
the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the State of Iowa to
demonstrate the successful integration of technologies for data collection,
management, and communication of safety information. The objectives
of the National Model are to improve data acquisition for roadway
incidents, leverage proven technology for law enforcement, streamline
the communication of safety information to key stakeholders, and enhance
the use of this information for safety programs. New approaches are
being used to shorten data collection time, minimize disruption to
traffic, increase officer safety and efficiency, and improve data
quality.
The State of Iowa is a model for the Nation in how agencies work together
to define new business processes and streamline the flow of safety
information. Rather then duplicating efforts or developing incompatible
solutions at the State level, Iowa agencies use an integrated approach
to safety management. The two primary agencies, the Iowa Department
of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Iowa Department of Public Safety
(Iowa DPS), have worked together closely for the successful application
of technologies. Iowa DOT leads the efforts involving computer hardware
and software technology and Iowa DPS leads the communications component,
which makes use of the State's fiber-optics network. Fiber-optics
make it possible to move high volumes of data and images. The benefits
of Iowa's integrated approach to safety management include:
* Reduction in the overall effort necessary to collect relevant
data.
* Electronic data acquisition and dissemination of timely and accurate
incident information.
* Common access among agencies to vital incident information, including
persons involved, severity, weather conditions, and location.
* Data transmission and feedback with the court system for citation
information and adjudication results.
* Maturity in the use of analytical tools.
Next: Sharing the Iowa Experience
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