This article outlines Houston, TX development of a geographic information system-based crash information system.
Federal transportation law requires States to collect data on motor vehicle accidents (crash data) to identify safety problems and determine appropriate solutions. Crash mapping allows officers to visualize where traffic safety improvements are needed. Transportation planning in the Houston, TX area is the task of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). The H-GAC began the development of the geographic information system-based crash information system in 2001. When the H-GAC was developing the geographic information system, officers were able to translate abbreviated location names into identifiable descriptions that could then be geocoded. This allowed the H-GAC to establish a regional traffic safety program to address transportation-related safety issues. Three goals of the program are outlined: identify and monitor safety; implement safety improvements at hazardous locations; and support other safety efforts. 2 figures and 6 notes