Michigan’s Crash Data Analysis Tool for Local Agencies—RoadSoft GIS

To make an impact on reducing the number of crashes on our country’s roads, most agree that attention must be paid to the local road system. Ironically when we look across the country to see who has the necessary tools and resources to effectively conduct traffic safety analysis, the answer is typically “everyone BUT local agencies.” This paper presents a case study of an initiative to provide local agencies in Michigan with the tools and resources needed to effectively conduct traffic safety analysis. Michigan has taken a “teach them to fish” approach to dealing with crashes on local agency roads. That is: provide access to the data, provide access to the tools to efficiently analyze the data, and provide training and support on how to conduct the necessary analysis. Key to this initiative is RoadSoft GIS. Developed and supported by Michigan Tech University with funding support from the Michigan Department of Transportation, this system is available to Michigan’s local agencies at no cost. Local agencies are provided powerful software pre-loaded with a GIS map of their road system and 10 years of historical crash data, as well as training and support. This system allows local road agencies to conduct sophisticated traffic safety analysis that they couldn’t consider doing previously.