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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
FHWA Highway Safety Programs

Local Safety Planning Improved through MPO Outreach

Publication Year:

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010 (PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishments

  • Provided technical assistance and funding for local government to identify and implement safety projects.
  • Developed a culture of safety at the local level.
  • Increased the study of local safety issues.

Because a large number of crashes were occurring off the State system, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recognized that local jurisdictions needed to be more involved in safety analysis and countermeasure development. Since it is challenging to conduct outreach to so many jurisdictions, ODOT enlisted Ohio metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) to work with local governments to encourage their involvement in safety programs.

ODOT provided training and assistance for MPOs to help them develop more effective, safety-focused relationships with local governments. To support this effort, the State held a series of Safety Conscious Planning forums for MPOs to help them identify safety needs and deficiencies. As a result of the forums, ODOT now assists MPOs with the development of safety work plans. These plans document regional safety goals and objectives, analyze regional crash data, identify regional high-crash locations, propose safety improvements, and identify funding strategies. They also facilitate coordination with local transportation agencies to implement highway system improvements.

MPOs analyze safety data in their regions and develop lists of high-priority locations and/or driver behaviors to target for improvement. Safety studies and projects are then developed from this list and funded with local, State, and Federal funds. In some cases the Ohio DOT provides funding for consultant services to support MPO safety studies.

Results

MPOs are now working with local jurisdictions to analyze data and develop safety work plans. They are focused on addressing regional high-crash locations, understanding regional crash trends, and assisting local governments with funding applications. As a result of these partnerships, a number of major and minor safety projects have been implemented in local jurisdictions.

Contact:
Michelle May
Safety Program Manager
Ohio DOT
614- 644-8309
Michelle.May@dot.state.oh.us