National Model: Statewide Application of Data Collection and
Management Technology to Improve Highway Safety

Law enforcement officer scans license with bar code reader to capture driver and vehicle information.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED
FOR 1999 AND 2000

GPS Dispatch

The Department of Justice and the Federal Transit Agency each has active Global Positioning Systems (GPS) dispatch projects in Iowa. One project involves 100 enforcement, fire, and other emergency vehicles in one urbanized county. The other project involves a rural 10-county transit operation that is interested in sharing GPS dispatch with enforcement, fire, and other emergency vehicles. The National Model project is cooperating with both efforts.

Advanced Law Enforcement Response Technology (ALERT) Vehicles

ALERT is a state-of-the-art law enforcement vehicle that uses electronic technology for a wide array of enforcement activities, including wireless communication; accident and traffic enforcement reporting; and pinpointing real-time location of accidents and other roadway hazards via GPS. The ALERT system also uses digital cameras to collect images from the crash scene and can merge these images with the crash report. ALERT technology integrates communications, i.e., voice, data, and video information, among response vehicles and back to a center without regard to each agency's internal communications system. The ALERT system offers an excellent opportunity for the National Model project.

Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started a CODES project through the Iowa Department of Public Health. Crash, ambulance, and health care records are being linked to provide a more complete picture of the severity of crashes.

American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Traffic Safety Information Management System (TSIMS) Project

The National Model staff continues to coordinate with AASHTO on their safety data initiatives. AASHTO is planning to develop shareware as part of their TSIMS project to provide integration of legacy data systems within a State, external systems, and possibly across political subdivision or agency boundaries. Support is being provided to AASHTO so that complementary software is developed.

Partnerships

The State of Iowa is looking for additional partners to join the consortium. These new partners will assist in new developments and enhancements, operation of a multi-State help desk, and maintenance of software.

Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-140