Improving Crash Data Quality In Massachusetts

In 2001, a new crash data system, including a new crash data report form, was implemented in an effort to improve the quantity and quality of crash information collected. Several data quality issues emerged following the implementation of this system. This project was developed in order to quantify issues associated with the data collection/storage process, better understand why some of these issues exist, and identify opportunities for improvement. Specifically, five project tasks were undertaken to meet these goals: Task 1: Kick-off meeting with State stakeholders to describe the project and gather input from highway stakeholders from across the Commonwealth; Task 2: Quantitative review of a sample of 2005 police crash reports to identify and quantify problem areas and review systems used by police to submit crash report information; Task 3: Qualitative collection of information from police and crash data users to understand data collection process and problem areas; Task 4: Development of recommendations that might be implemented to improve crash data quality; and Task 5: Briefing for key players regarding findings and recommendations. Based on the information collected throughout this project, a Massachusetts Action Plan was developed to provide the Massachusetts State agencies with identified problem areas and recommendations for strategies to improve these problem areas. Recommendations provided in the action plan include details regarding the problem being addressed, the type of recommendation (systems, training, etc), which agencies should be involved in the implementation of the recommendations, and an estimated timeframe for implementation (short, medium, or long). Recommendations included improved information sharing, development and/or updating of standards for data collection and reporting, police training, and changes to agency operational practices.