Researchers: David Noyce (PI), Andrea Bill, Zhixia Li
Primary Project Objectives
Safety is a major concern for roadway practitioners across the United States; and comprehensive crash data is critical in developing effective safety programs. Underreporting (or no reporting) of crash data that involves crashes on Tribal land, can create a significant void in state Department of Transportation (DOT) safety programs. Specifically, underreporting can lead to Tribes receiving disproportionate resources from state and federal programs that identify and target transportation safety issues. Proper completion of crash reports for the DOT can improve allocation of resources and increase safety.
The objective of this research is to produce a guide for the development and implementation of effective Tribal crash reporting programs in order to improve Tribal transportation safety planning and programs. The guide will assist state agencies in working with Tribal law enforcement agencies and include effective methods of communication, cooperation, and collaboration between state and tribal governments. As well as, recommendations on how the implementation of effective tribal crash reporting systems can be used to improve transportation safety planning and programs. Creating one effective guide for Tribal crash reporting can significantly improve data within these areas and help the state develop safety programs.
