In most cases, the data are assembled from existing records of the various State offices and agencies such as tax departments, motor vehicle departments, public service commissions, State treasuries, or State DOTs. Much of the information reported to FHWA consists of year-end summaries drawn from the records of these agencies. Because State laws differ, the system is designed to provide a high degree of flexibility. The system is also evaluated regularly to ensure that the reporting burden is kept to a minimum, while addressing transportation program management needs.

Data quality and consistency depend on the programs, actions, and data base maintenance of numerous data collectors, manipulators, and suppliers at the State, local, and metropolitan-area levels. Jo general, specific data items that are used by the collecting agency are likely to be of better quality than data items that are collected solely for FHWA. Data quality and consistency also depend on the nature of the individual data items and how difficult they are to define and collect.

Highway statistics other than those gathered through the Highway Performance Monitoring System are collected in accordance with A Guide to Reporting Highway Statistics. Reporting procedures contained in the Guide are not rigid standards; rather, they represent a reporting reference system that FHWA recommends the States use in collecting and reporting State and local highway data to FHWA.

The State-reported data are analyzed by FHWA for consistency and adherence to reporting guidelines. In a number of cases, data are adjusted to improve consistency and uniformity among the States. As time permits, the analysis and adjustment process is accomplished via working relationships with the States supplying the data.


Back to Reports and Publications

Data quality and consistency depend on the programs, actions, and data base maintenance of numerous data collectors, manipulators, and suppliers at the State, local, and metropolitan-area levels.