Rapid Reporting of Vehicle Crash Data in California to Understand Impacts from COVID-19 Pandemic on Traffic and Incidents

Research Team: Fraser Shilling (lead) and David Waetjen

UC Campus(es): UC Davis

Project Description: This research was primarily a data collection activity to inform changes in traffic patterns. The sources of data collection included incident reports from the California Highway Patrol; traffic volume and speed data at second, minute and hour intervals from operating Caltrans PeMS-reporting sensors; and traffic injury data from regional trauma centers (in collaboration with the UC Davis Medical Center). These data allow real-time and short timeframe (<1 year) estimation of total number, type, cost, distribution, and severity of collisions on state highways and major routes. The trauma data from hospitals allow both verification of injuries reported by CHP and tracking of impacts to non-motorized transportation modes (cycling and pedestrian) and to vulnerable communities (e.g., based on economics and age). These data allow rapid-response research into impacts of rapid-response policies to mitigate spread of COVID-19.

Status: Completed

Budget: $10,000