The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a $171 million investment to upgrade crash data systems in 19 states and territories, aiming to improve the accuracy, timeliness and accessibility of fatality data.
These upgrades, part of a program mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable better intrastate data sharing and electronic transfers to NHTSA.
“These grants will provide much-needed funds for states and territories to upgrade their systems and make sharing data with NHTSA quicker and easier,” said Sophie Shulman, NHTSA deputy administrator. “These upgrades to crash data systems will provide the agency and the public more timely data, help us identify emerging trends, and advance our shared mission to save lives.”
The selected states and territories include American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia. Participating entities will have five years to implement full electronic data transfers as part of the State Electronic Data Collection program.
The initiative aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), which seeks to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on U.S. roads. The NRSS adopts a "safe system approach," emphasizing the importance of anticipating human error while creating a holistic system to mitigate risks.
Upgraded crash data systems will facilitate the identification of emerging trends and enable the development of informed countermeasures, rulemaking and public education campaigns. NHTSA said enhanced data flow will support its mission to save lives through responsive and effective strategies.
