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Search the Noteworthy Practices database Collaborative Problem Solving - UtahOriginal publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010 (PDF, 1MB)Publication Year: 2010Key Accomplishments
The process to develop and implement an effective SHSP requires a multidisciplinary approach from the state’s safety stakeholders. Working collaboratively to identify and solve the State’s transportation safety problems is central to the plan’s success. States demonstrating success with implementation of their SHSPs find collaborative arrangements are the norm and tend to have superior inter/intraagency communication. Partners talk to one another on a frequent basis, building trust and understanding. This collaboration helps expand the SHSP’s reach to the broader safety community, and fosters the mindset that “we all understand what the safety priorities are.” Collaboration results in wiser use of the State’s limited resources. States have found this approach helps improve their crash data collection and analysis capabilities. Solutions arrived at collaboratively among several agencies and data users result in improved processes and cost sharing. Collaboration on SHSP projects brings new partners to the effort and expands resources to assist with SHSP implementation. One success story involves a close partnership between the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Utah Department of Public Safety’s Highway Safety Office (HSO). The HSO includes the UDOT Traffic and Safety Engineer in its annual NHTSA-required Highway Safety Plan process. This relationship is reciprocated by UDOT. UDOT includes the HSO as a partner to use HSIP flexible funds to implement behavioral programs. UDOT also provided a portion of STP Enhancement Funds to the SHSO for education and outreach programs involving pedestrian safety. The benefits of the SHSP collaborative approach carry over to other projects as well. Personnel involved with the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) are intimately involved in SHSP implementation. As a result, the MCSAP and the SHSP work in concert to address commercial vehicle traffic safety. This collaboration has led to the adoption of new technologies, such as speed detection signs, specifically addressing commercial vehicle safety. ResultsThe State’s adoption of a collaborative problem solving approach resulted in improved data collection and analysis capabilities, new interagency collaborations on planning activities, and improved utilization of limited State resources. Contact: Publication Year: 2010 |