Evaluation of Emerging Technologies for Traffic Crash Reporting

007481501998Final ReportPDFTech ReportFHWA-RD-97-0233A3bDTFH61-93-R-00063AccuracyAlternatives analysisComputersCostsAccident reportsData recordersField studiesForms (Documents)Geographic information systemsGlobal Positioning SystemImplementationInformation organizationProductivityTechnological innovationsAccident recordsComputersData collectionEffectivenessHighway safetyInformation systemsRegionalSafety programsTechnologyTraffic accidentsTransportation planningTime savingsData recording methodsData and Information TechnologyFinanceHighwaysSafety and Human FactorsI81: Accident StatisticsAccident reportingGPSUnited StatesTurner-Fairbank Highway Research CenterUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationMcKnight, A. ScottMosher, Clarence W.Bozak, David J.InfoGroup, inc.United States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Safety and Traffic Operations Research and DevelopmentFederal Highway AdministrationAn evaluation was performed of the effect of emerging technologies on traffic accident reporting. The technologies evaluated were standard laptop and pen-based portable computers, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer-based accident diagramming, and various forms of computer-based data entry (e.g., optical character recognition vs. keyboard entry). Data on the use of traditional paper forms were also collected so that comparisons could be made between the use of computers and paper forms. Technologies were evaluated for their effect on accuracy and completeness of data, speed of data entry, practicality (e.g., ease of learning, ease of use), and sturdiness of equipment. Costs of hardware and software used are also provided. The report describes the implementation of these technologies at four sites: (1) Des Moines and West Des Moines, IA; (2) Trenton, NJ; (3) Thurston County, WA; and (4) Dane County, WI. The report provides the results of analyses of the effects of the technologies, describes problems encountered in implementing and using them, and includes recommendations for future implementation