Safety Data Management and Analysis: Addressing the Continuing Education Needs for the Pacific Northwest

Abstract

Recent advancements in data collection capabilities have allowed transportation-related agencies to collect mountains of safety data. There is an immediate need to find out what types of safety data are being collected, what types of safety analysis can be done with the collected data, and what (other) types of safety data and analysis approaches are required to meet safety objectives. With the increased complexity of various safety data management and analysis activities, and with most transportation agencies faced with limited staff and financial resources, there is opportunity to provide the transportation workforce, which includes practitioners and academicians alike, with the resources needed to effectively understand, manage, and analyze safety data. Safety data collection, management, integration, improvement, and analysis activities are integral to developing a robust data program that leads to more informed decision making, better targeted safety investments, and overall improved safety outcomes. This project responds to the current gaps in research and identifies a methodology that will benefit all system users. The objectives included developing a comprehensive understanding of needs and priorities with regard to safety data management and analysis; developing a set of core skills and knowledge required for safety data management and analysis; providing a comprehensive set of safety data workforce development resources that can easily be accessed for use and distribution; and identifying and utilizing proven delivery pipelines to supplement program outreach efforts and activities in the safety data area.