Crash Course Mapping the Road to Safety

GIS User
Management
Other
road
Published

Invalid Date

Presentation Type: Presentation (30 minutes)

Skill Level: Intermediate

Intended Audience: GIS User, Management, Other

Abstract

As communities strive toward Vision Zero and other ambitious safety goals, data-driven decision-making has become essential in prioritizing investments and interventions. This presentation explores how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to develop comprehensive Safety Action Plans, with a focus on identifying High Injury Networks (HINs) and conducting systemic safety analyses to prevent future crashes before they occur.Using real-world case studies, we will demonstrate how GIS tools enable planners, engineers, and policymakers to analyze crash data spatially and temporally, overlay demographic and equity indicators, and identify patterns that traditional analysis methods may overlook. The presentation will showcase how spatial analytics can reveal systemic risk factors — such as roadway design features or land use characteristics — that contribute to severe injuries and fatalities across a transportation network.We will also discuss how incorporating HINs into Safety Action Plans allows for targeted, cost-effective interventions, particularly in underserved communities disproportionately impacted by traffic violence. Attendees will learn how to move beyond reactive strategies toward a proactive, systemic approach that prioritizes equity, transparency, and accountability.Whether you’re a GIS analyst, transportation planner, or public safety advocate, this session will provide actionable insights and tools to harness the power of GIS in building safer, more inclusive streets. Join us to explore how spatial analysis is transforming roadway safety from reactive response to predictive prevention.

Presenter(s)

Peter Dirks

Software Engineer, SRF Consulting Group

Peter is a Software Engineer in the Systems Analysis and Policy group of SRF Consulting.

Elisa Shapson

Safety and Research Planning Analyst, SRF Consulting Group

Elisa Shapson has been involved with numerous safety action plans around the upper Midwest and has an in depth understanding of crash reports, technical details, and safety countermeasures. Her role interfaces with GIS analysts, ensuring smooth processes as data flows in and out of GIS software for analysis.