1. Data Elements and Analytical Techniques for MPO Planning International Traffic Records Forum- July 15, 2003 Steve Cook Denver Regional Council of Governments “Enhancing and protecting the quality of life in our region”

2. Federal Law (TEA-21): Federal Local Approval By MPO Urban Areas MPO = Metropolitan Planning Organization

3. MPO Area

5. Always had transportation safety concerns MPOs approach differently

6. MPO Safety Applications 1.Engineering & Design 2.Short-range project programming (TIP) –Most expenditures on “safety improvements” not for safety motivated projects 3.Long-range planning (Regional Transportation Plan) 4.Awareness & Education

7. DRCOG Plan Relationships Project Implementation Lower Safety Data Level of Detail Higher

8. Engineering & Design Primarily role of project implementing agency Safety elements in ALL types of projects Limited MPO involvement –Verification of safety measures noted in TIP Data elements – location specific details –Individual crash reports –Roadway characteristics

10. Short-Range Project Programming (Transportation Improvement Program) Selection of projects to receive federal $ Safety criteria in project selection (~ 10%) –Projects on existing roads/interchanges –Bicycle and pedestrian facility projects Data elements – (supplied by applicants) –Crash rates (current situation) –Crash reduction potential (rate and raw #) –Need accurate crash data (type & location) –Consistency of data

13. Long-Range Planning (Regional Transportation Plans) Denver region’s Metro Vision Plan –Safety & Security / quality of life –Needed transportation system Regional Transportation Plan (2025) –Fiscally-constrained –Identification of major projects –Project “pools” established – projects ID in TIP

14. Long-Range Planning (Regional Transportation Plans) (cntd.) Identification of major projects –Project evaluation criteria –Safety- crash rate, weighted hazard index Data elements –Number of crashes by locations Fatal, injury, property damage only –Details not needed –State database –Only state highway data geocoded

17. Awareness & Education Role varies among MPOs Can’t always take positions Audiences: –Decision-makers (MPO Boards) Staff provide information Select most beneficial projects –General public Personal behavior / planning decisions Adults, children, bilingual –Local government staff

18. Awareness & Education (cntd.) “Overview of Traffic Safety in the Denver Region” –Extent of problem / impacts E.g. 79,000 crashes, ~ 300 deaths Impacts on congestion –Trends & Comparisons –Human and design factors - causes –Issues – not always clear answers –Methods of response (4 Es) –Resources and Partner agencies

22. Awareness & Education (cntd.) Newsletters, brochures Competition for viewers eyes and ears –“Madison Avenue” (auto makers, movies, alcohol) Frustration regarding effectiveness – (e.g. Ken Caryl crash, NY)

23. Conclusions MPO approaches to safety and security vary Data needs vary (short vs. long range plans) Data improvements –Consistency –Availability –Locational accuracy (GPS) Awareness and education still important Security and MPO planning - evolving