Safety Data Visualization: MassDOT's IMPACT Tool and Promoting Safety Planning in Massachusetts

Federal Highway Administration2022PDFTech ReportGooch, JeffHuang, IvyHamilton, IanVHB/Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.United States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of SafetyRoche, JerryPascual, Sarah WeissmanUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of SafetyUnited StatesMassachusettsData analysisVisualizationTraffic safetyTransportation planningCooperationDataSafetySystemicEngagementFHWA-SA-21-078DTFH61-16-D-00052Roche, JerryCase StudyThe Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) is a critical part of the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). As part of the SHSP process, States are encouraged to take a broad view of safety needs and identify over-arching emphasis areas (EAs). This case study presents a safety analysis and technology improvement project conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to increase access to roadway safety-related data for multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional stakeholders in the State. In 2020, MassDOT received a grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) as part of the USDOT\u2019s competitive Safety Data Initiative (SDI) process. This grant allowed MassDOT to develop a series of tools and analyses to upgrade the State\u2019s web-based safety data portal, IMPACT, and provide MassDOT\u2019s safety partners across the State with greater access to data, capacity, and insights to encourage traffic safety initiatives and awareness. MassDOT\u2019s innovative use of traditional and non-traditional data sources allowed the agency to analyze many of the State\u2019s core safety priorities and EAs. The improvements to the IMPACT platform were the result of a collaborative process between MassDOT and the agency\u2019s institutional and jurisdictional partners, and it will support and promote safety initiatives throughout Massachusetts.137