What is the first step in the Data Driven Safety Management Process?

The first step in the Data Driven Safety Management Process is network screening. This initial phase involves analyzing data to identify locations on the roadway network that have a higher incidence of crashes or other safety issues. Network screening helps in prioritizing areas that require immediate attention, setting the groundwork for further analysis and action.

Through network screening, agencies can effectively target their resources and interventions toward the most critical areas, ensuring that safety improvements are based on data rather than assumptions. This foundational step is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of safety trends and accident hotspots, which leads to informed decision-making in subsequent steps, such as diagnosis, selecting countermeasures, and prioritizing projects.