Page 1 of 44

NEW MEXICO

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

Federal Highway Administration 

HIGHWAY SAFETY 

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 

Photo source: Federal Highway Administration
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 2 of 44

Table of Contents

Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Protection of Data from Discovery Admission into Evidence............................................................. 3

Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Program Structure................................................................................................................................. 6

Program Administration..................................................................................................................... 6

Program Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 9

Project Implementation .......................................................................................................................16

Funds Programmed.........................................................................................................................16

General Listing of Projects ..............................................................................................................18

Safety Performance ............................................................................................................................23

General Highway Safety Trends......................................................................................................23

Safety Performance Targets............................................................................................................29

Applicability of Special Rules...........................................................................................................32

Evaluation ...........................................................................................................................................34

Program Effectiveness ....................................................................................................................34

Effectiveness of Groupings or Similar Types of Improvements .......................................................34

Project Effectiveness.......................................................................................................................38

Compliance Assessment ....................................................................................................................39

Optional Attachments..........................................................................................................................43

Glossary..............................................................................................................................................44
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 3 of 44

Disclaimer

Protection of Data from Discovery Admission into Evidence

23 U.S.C. 148(h)(4) states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or 

data compiled or collected for any purpose relating to this section[HSIP], shall not be subject to discovery or 

admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action 

for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or addressed in the reports, surveys, 

schedules, lists, or other data.

23 U.S.C. 148(h)(4) states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or 

data compiled or collected for any purpose relating to this section[HSIP], shall not be subject to discovery or 

admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action 

for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or addressed in the reports, surveys, 

schedules, lists, or other data.23 U.S.C. 409 states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, 

surveys, schedules, lists, or data compiled or collected for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, or planning 

the safety enhancement of potential accident sites, hazardous roadway conditions, or railway-highway 

crossings, pursuant to sections 130, 144, and 148 of this title or for the purpose of developing any highway 

safety construction improvement project which may be implemented utilizing Federal-aid highway funds shall 

not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for 

other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location mentioned or addressed in 

such reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or data.”
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 4 of 44

Executive Summary

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) report is an annual update prepared by the Statewide 

Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau (MPPB) of the New Mexico Department of Transportation 

(NMDOT) Planning Division (PD). The 2021 HSIP Annual Report is based on the best and most recently 

available transportation safety data and information, including projects contained in the Federal Fiscal Year 

(FFY) 2020 program. To facilitate a transparent stakeholder process, the NMDOT MPPB, for infrastructurerelated and non-infrastructure-related improvements coordinates with internal and external safety partners in 

New Mexico. In the preparation of the HSIP, the MPPB is consistent with the Strategic Highway Safety Plan 

(SHSP), efforts related to the Highway Safety Plan (HSP), and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP). 

This coordination helps to provide consistency of data presented in this report, integrated safety initiatives, 

consistent identification of performance trends, implementation of sound, best safety practices, and facilitation 

of safety performance assessment. This coordinated safety planning effort allows NMDOT to allocate limited 

safety dollars to areas with the greatest safety needs and to effectively support NMDOT goals, safety 

strategies, and performance targets to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the state transportation system.

Overall, in New Mexico from the year 2016 to the year 2020, there was a 1.7 percent decrease in fatalities (405 

to 398). It should be noted for this report that all 2020 fatality data represents a preliminary estimate of the data 

since FARS data was not available. The five-year moving average for fatalities increased from 2016 to 2020. A 

comparison of values of the five-year moving average indicates an increase of 13.2 percent in 2020 to 399.8 

fatalities, compared to 353.2 fatalities in 2016. While the actual count of fatalities was relatively consistent from 

2016 to 2020, the annual rate of fatalities in New Mexico had a slightly increasing trend in the same time

period, from 1.452 to 1.680 (preliminary estimate) fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) - an 

increase of 15.7 percent.

Suspected serious injuries (A) declined by 28.1 percent from 1,153 to 829 during the same reporting period of 

2016 to 2020. The number of reported serious injuries has a steady overall decline dating all the way back to 

2010. Suspected serious injuries (A) are on a downward trend in New Mexico for the past five years (2016 to 

2020) with a reduction in the five-year moving average from 1,333.8 to 1,050.2; a decrease of 12.9 percent. 

The annual rate of serious injuries in New Mexico declined from 2016 to 2020 from 4.135 to 3.499 (preliminary 

estimate) serious injuries per 100M VMT, or a reduction of 15.4 percent. The five-year moving average for 

serious injuries declined from 5.079 to 3.905 (preliminary estimate) serious injuries per 100M VMT, or a 

reduction of 23.1 percent.

Annual non-motorized fatalities and suspected serious injuries decreased between 2016 to 2020 (preliminary 

estimate) from 191 to 175, a decrease of 8.4 percent and an increase in the five-year rolling average of 11.7 

percent (187.6 to 195.4).

In FFY 2021, NMDOT continued to make significant progress in successfully programming and obligating HSIP 

funds, as well as continued implementation of a process for funding and eliminating a backlog of projects for 

future years. This included programming of projects from previously completed Road Safety Audit (RSA) 

projects and construction of countermeasure recommendations in the HSIP annual program. In addition, 

NMDOT continued to use results from the completed network screening efforts conducted for urban and rural 

NMDOT maintained, non-interstate highways to identify candidate projects with a high crash concern. An 

additional network screening effort on the interstate mainline system is underway, performed by a consultant, 

and is expected to be complete by the Fall of 2021.

The most recent update of the NM Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) was approved and distributed to 

safety stakeholders in March 2017. The next update of the SHSP is scheduled for completion in 2021, again 

being performed by a consultant.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 5 of 44

In late March of 2020, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) completed a target achievement 

assessment of the five safety performance targets for the HSIP for New Mexico. FHWA advised NMDOT that 

New Mexico did not meet or make significant progress toward meeting at least four of the five safety 

performance targets to support the reduction of fatalities and serious injuries in the State. To address this 

issue, NMDOT developed an HSIP Implementation Plan, submitted to the FHWA in June 2021.

In early 2021, NMDOT finished the first draft of an HSIP Manual. When complete, the HSIP Manual will provide 

a comprehensive roadmap for the execution of the NMDOT HSIP, safety management process, and 

participation activities by safety stakeholders. Other efforts to improve the delivery of HSIP projects include 

improvements to the Linear Referencing System for roadway data; improved coordination with safety 

stakeholders and other agencies; and greater focus in identifying and developing initiatives to improve 

pedestrian and bicycle safety. As with many years in the past, NMDOT continued to augment staff with support 

from consultants in order to effectively manage the NMDOT HSIP program in 2021.

In the summer of 2021, NMDOT completed a report that stipulates the 2022 performance targets for each of 

the five core performance measures for fatalities (K), suspected serious injuries (A), fatality rate, suspected 

serious injury rate, and non-motorized fatalities and suspected serious injuries. This process was presented to 

MPOs and other safety stakeholders for feedback and comments.

Additionally, local road safety projects are a component in the HSIP, with $90,000 programmed and obligated 

to one local project for the FFY 2020 reporting period. This project focused on implementing pedestrian 

improvements between Mesa Road and 10th Street on Delgado Avenue in Valencia County.

The NMDOT HSIP includes a more detailed and extensive analysis of safety performance, Emphasis Areas, 

and strategies planned in HSIP projects. The intent of this is to effectively reduce fatalities and severe crashes 

on all roads, including local roads, in New Mexico. In order to achieve this, the NMDOT has plans to use 

consultant staff to develop safety analysis tools focusing for the local road system in the near future.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 6 of 44

Introduction

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program with the purpose of achieving 

a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. As per 23 U.S.C. 148(h) and 23 CFR 

924.15, States are required to report annually on the progress being made to advance HSIP implementation 

and evaluation efforts. The format of this report is consistent with the HSIP Reporting Guidance dated 

December 29, 2016 and consists of five sections: program structure, progress in implementing highway safety 

improvement projects, progress in achieving safety outcomes and performance targets, effectiveness of the 

improvements and compliance assessment.

Program Structure

Program Administration

Describe the general structure of the HSIP in the State. 

The NMDOT Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau continues to transition the HSIP into a more data- and 

analysis-based program. In late 2019, the MPPB worked with consultants to complete a Highway Safety 

Manual (HSM)-based network screening analysis of the NMDOT maintained non-interstate rural and urban 

roadway network. The screening effort included a review of roadway segments, intersections, and pedestrian 

sites, in order to identify and rank sites with a statistically high need, based on the potential to reduce fatal and 

serious injury crashes.

In summer 2020, the MPPB identified High-Risk Rural Road sites with high potential for safety improvements. 

After identifying these locations, the MPPB staff worked with the consultants to conduct a high-level, in-office, 

evidence-based diagnosis and countermeasure identification process. The next step is for the MPPB staff to 

work with NMDOT Districts and tribal and local public agencies to evaluate countermeasures for 

implementation in future projects.

For the summer 2021, MPPB is currently working with consultants to complete a Highway Safety Manual 

(HSM)-based network screening analysis of the NMDOT interstate network. The screening effort includes a 

review of interstate mainline segments to identify and rank sites with a statistically high need, based on the

potential to reduce fatalities, A-injuries and B-Injuries.

Another work product completed in early 2021 is the first draft of a HSIP Manual. This manual describes 

NMDOT HSIP procedures and defines NMDOT's program for project development, statewide prioritization, and 

development of HSIP projects based on a data-driven process, using uniform, and objective criteria.

The structure of the HSIP program is multidisciplinary and at various levels includes NMDOT, tribal and local 

public agency stakeholders for those jurisdictions developing projects, with FHWA oversight and input as 

appropriate. The HSIP program is monitored by the NMDOT Safety Committee, which includes members from 

engineering, design, STIP, rail, and traffic from within NMDOT and the FHWA-NM Division office. The 

committee oversees project selection and allocation of funds to determine where the funds can be most 

efficiently utilized to optimize safety performance.

Where is HSIP staff located within the State DOT? 

 Other-Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 7 of 44

How are HSIP funds allocated in a State? 

• Other-General Office review and approval from the NMDOT Safety Committee

The allocation process is moving more towards a competitive-based evaluation process, as there is now the 

ability to objectively compare segments from the network screening analysis by using the potential for safety 

improvement (PSI) metric.

Describe how local and tribal roads are addressed as part of HSIP.

Under the NM HSIP program all public roadways are eligible for participation. For the HSIP program covered in 

this reporting period (FFY 2020), there were three NM HSIP projects that had funds obligated or programmed 

for local roads or had Indian/Tribal involvement.

One of the projects with Indian/Tribal involvement carried an obligated HSIP cost of $569,980.27. The location 

of the project is roughly 40 miles north of Gallup on US-491 and it stretches from milepost 40.5 to 42 (1.5 

miles). The major improvement for the rural project is to provide roadway lighting. This project is identifiable by 

control number (CN) 6100782.

The second project with Indian/Tribal involvement had an obligation of $31,500 and had CN 9900566. This 

project was a training program that focused on how to complete the updated uniform crash report (UCR). 

Sandia Pueblo PD was a tribal entity that received the training.

NMDOT also obligated $90,000 to a local project during the same reporting period. The project CN, as listed in 

the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), is A301700. The project’s improvement 

description is listed as constructing pedestrian improvements between Mesa Road and 10th Street on Delgado 

Avenue in Valencia County, while roadway and drainage improvements will be required to accommodate the 

new pedestrian facilities. Signage and striping will be added, as needed.

In general, the NMDOT Safety Committee reviewed all project applications and prioritized funding independent 

of project jurisdiction. Proposed HSIP projects on local and tribal maintained roadways were considered in the 

same manner as proposed projects on NMDOT roads.

Identify which internal partners (e.g., State departments of transportation (DOTs) 

Bureaus, Divisions) are involved with HSIP planning.

• Design

• Districts/Regions

• Governors Highway Safety Office

• Local Aid Programs Office/Division

• Maintenance

• Operations

• Planning

• Traffic Engineering/Safety

• Other-Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau

Describe coordination with internal partners.

The NMDOT Safety Committee meets as needed to review the HSIP and confirm the program is meeting the 

goals and objectives of the NM SHSP and safety targets. In general, the Safety Committee meets quarterly or 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 8 of 44

as multiple applications/Award Change requests have been received and need to be reviewed by the Safety 

Committee. The Safety Committee is composed of the following voting and advisory members:

Voting members:

• Design and Construction Director 

• Planning Division Director 

• Modals Division Director 

Advisory members:

• HSIP Coordinator 

• FHWA-NM Safety 

• STIP Unit 

• Technical Groups 

• Rail Bureau Chief 

The HSIP Coordinator also interacts closely with the three NMDOT Regional Design Centers to coordinate 

project tracking and oversight needs. In addition, the HSIP Coordinator, in overseeing the SHSP, liaisons 

closely with NMDOT Traffic Safety Division (in the Modals Division) which is responsible for the NMDOT 

Highway Safety Plan (HSP). The Modals Division Director is the NM representative to the Governor's Highway 

Safety Commission.

Identify which external partners are involved with HSIP planning.

• Academia/University

• FHWA

• Law Enforcement Agency

• Local Government Agency 

• Local Technical Assistance Program

• Regional Planning Organizations (e.g. MPOs, RPOs, COGs)

• Tribal Agency

• Other-Consultants

Describe coordination with external partners.

All of the external partners listed in the previous question may be involved in the coordination process, 

particularly for conducting Road Safety Audits or Assessments (RSAs). Examples include data collection from 

local law enforcement and data management by academia, such as the University of New Mexico. Typically, 

as a part of RSAs, local partners are also involved in identifying location-specific outliers, lending their 

expertise and insights to safety related issues, as well as development of safety diagnosis and 

countermeasures. NMDOT finds local expertise invaluable when considering safety issues and needs, the 

identification of lessons learned related to the implementation of countermeasures, and identification of context 

sensitive issues whether they are cultural or behavioral. Consultants add support with many tasks, including 

focusing on scientific, data-driven approaches outlined in the Highway Safety Manual, assistance with 

miscellaneous HSIP tasks, review of potential HSIP projects, and Roadway Safety Management Process 

planning.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 9 of 44

Describe other aspects of HSIP Administration on which the State would like to 

elaborate. 

The NMDOT made significant progress in 2020 to program and obligate HSIP funds and to provide a 

systematic process for funding a backlog of projects. This includes maintenance of a structured list of RSAs 

planned and performed that will be used for future projects. As described above, the MPPB implemented a 

comprehensive and organized process of communication with internal and external stakeholders.

In 2020 the NMDOT continued to focus on programming and obligating projects identified by completed RSAs 

and Transportation Safety Plans. This is clearing out a backlog of projects and ensuring identified safety 

improvements are implemented. The NMDOT continues to engage internal and external stakeholders to put in 

place the tools that form the foundation of a data-driven HSIP based off the Roadway Safety Management 

Process.

Program Methodology

Does the State have an HSIP manual or similar that clearly describes HSIP planning, 

implementation and evaluation processes?

Yes 

A consultant completed a task order to submit an HSIP Manual outlining best practices for implementing a 

Roadway Safety Management Process based HSIP. - That task order was completed in April 2021. However, 

NMDOT specific process and procedure information to the HSIP Manual and this effort will be executed by 

NMDOT staff. For this reason, the HSIP Manual is not publicly available and a copy of the HSIP Manual was 

not submitted on the Online Reporting Tool.

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP.

• Intersection

• Pedestrian Safety

• Roadway Departure

• Other-Lighting

• Other-Rural Roadways

Program: Intersection

Date of Program Methodology:9/30/2020

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

• FHWA focused approach to safety

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Competes with all projects

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 10 of 44

• All crashes

• Fatal and serious injury crashes 

only

• Volume • Roadside features

• Other-Intersection features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Other-Crash Severity

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this 

program?

Yes

Are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

How are projects under this program advanced for implementation?

• Other-NMDOT Selection Committee

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods 

selected, indicate the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. 

Enter either the weights or numerical rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must 

equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving both processes the same rank 

and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Available funding:100

Total Relative Weight:100

Program: Pedestrian Safety

Date of Program Methodology:9/30/2020

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

• FHWA focused approach to safety

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Competes with all projects

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 

• Other-Pedestrian crashes only • Median width

• Roadside features
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 11 of 44

• Other-Intersection features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Other-Pedestrian crashes only

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this 

program?

Yes

Are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

How are projects under this program advanced for implementation?

• Other-NMDOT Selection Committee

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods 

selected, indicate the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. 

Enter either the weights or numerical rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must 

equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving both processes the same rank 

and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Available funding:100

Total Relative Weight:100

Program: Roadway Departure

Date of Program Methodology:9/30/2020

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

• FHWA focused approach to safety

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Competes with all projects

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 

• All crashes

• Other-KAB crashes only • Volume

• Median width

• Horizontal curvature

• Roadside features
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 12 of 44

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Other-KAB crashes only

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this 

program?

Yes

Are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

How are projects under this program advanced for implementation?

• Other-NMDOT Selection Committee

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods 

selected, indicate the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. 

Enter either the weights or numerical rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must 

equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving both processes the same rank 

and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Available funding:100

Total Relative Weight:100

Program: Other-Lighting

Date of Program Methodology:9/30/2020

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Competes with all projects

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 

• All crashes

• Other-KAB crashes only

• Roadside features

• Other-Intersection features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Other-KAB crashes only
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 13 of 44

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this 

program?

Yes

Are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

How are projects under this program advanced for implementation?

• Other-NMDOT Selection Committee

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods 

selected, indicate the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. 

Enter either the weights or numerical rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must 

equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving both processes the same rank 

and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Available funding:100

Total Relative Weight:100

Program: Other-Rural Roadways

Date of Program Methodology:9/30/2020

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

• FHWA focused approach to safety

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Competes with all projects

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 

• All crashes

• Other-KAB crashes only • Volume • Other-Qualified as Rural Area

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Other-KAB crashes only

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this 

program?

Yes
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 14 of 44

Are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

How are projects under this program advanced for implementation?

• Other-NMDOT Selection Committee

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods 

selected, indicate the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. 

Enter either the weights or numerical rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must 

equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving both processes the same rank 

and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Available funding:100

Total Relative Weight:100

What percentage of HSIP funds address systemic improvements?

 48.5

 HSIP funds are used to address which of the following systemic 

improvements? 

• Other-Lighting Improvements

• Upgrade Guard Rails

The following CN’s were considered systemic projects:

• 6100782

• 9900811 

• 9900812 

• 9900904 

What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

• Crash data analysis

• Engineering Study

• Road Safety Assessment

• SHSP/Local road safety plan

• Stakeholder input

None

Does the State HSIP consider connected vehicles and ITS technologies? 

No

At this time, the HSIP does not consider safety initiatives related to both connected vehicle technologies and 

ITS technologies - but it does consider ITS technologies. If a project were to be submitted with ITS-related 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 15 of 44

features, they would be considered on the same level as any other safety countermeasure.

However, in this reporting period, there were no projects that included ITS-related technologies.

Does the State use the Highway Safety Manual to support HSIP efforts?

Yes 

Please describe how the State uses the HSM to support HSIP efforts.

Applying the full cycle of the Roadway Safety Management Process (RSMP) to NMDOT HSIP efforts has been 

the goal for the past few years (see figure below). The NMDOT finished the first round of the network 

screening process for non-freeway routes that had non-zero AADT values and is currently working on the 

network screening effort for interstate mainlines. These analyses are guided by the approaches included in the 

Highway Safety Manual. Other efforts include diagnosis and countermeasure selection and the NMDOT 

preparing the data needed to incorporate the next steps of the RSMP.

The completed and on-going network screening efforts focus on identifying sites with high potential for safety 

improvement (PSI) using excess expected crash frequency with Empirical Bayes adjustment as a performance 

measure. In Fall 2019, a total of seven Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) were developed for the most 

common urban and rural, non-freeway roadway facility types. Similar studies are completed for intersections 

and pedestrian corridors. Eight SPFs were developed for interstate mainlines during the summer 2021 effort. 

These SPFs were constructed based on three features: 4-lanes or 6-lanes, high speed or low speed, and KAB 

or KABCO crashes.

Diagnostic studies are completed to help identify the probable cause and possible countermeasures to improve 

the safety of the screened locations. A map of geo-tagged data visualizations is provided to show the 

distribution of crash types, crash severities, and other crash characteristics to help with diagnostics at each 

location.

The results of diagnostics are used to identify possible countermeasures on the top-ranked locations based on 

the network screening process. These locations are listed as candidates for future RSAs, HRRR locations, 

and/or future HSIP projects.

Describe other aspects of the HSIP methodology on which the State would like to 

elaborate.

Since the last Annual Report's reporting period, NMDOT's consultant finished their work on an HSIP Manual. In 

summer 2021, the HSIP Planner position was filled within Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau - a 

position that had been vacant for many years. The NMDOT continues to hold internal discussions on the 

progress of the design and conduct of the HSIP, which helped create an awareness of safety needs and longterm goals.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 16 of 44

Project Implementation

Funds Programmed

Reporting period for HSIP funding.

Federal Fiscal Year

Enter the programmed and obligated funding for each applicable funding category.

FUNDING CATEGORY PROGRAMMED OBLIGATED % 

OBLIGATED/PROGRAMMED

HSIP (23 U.S.C. 148) $24,654,233 $25,292,427 102.59%

HRRR Special Rule (23 

U.S.C. 148(g)(1))

$3,519,848 $3,519,848 100%

Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 

154)

$626,160 $626,160 100%

Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 

164)

$2,393,804 $2,259,939 94.41%

RHCP (for HSIP 

purposes) (23 U.S.C. 

130(e)(2))

$0 $0 0%

Other Federal-aid Funds 

(i.e. STBG, NHPP)

$0 $0 0%

State and Local Funds $0 $0 0%

Totals $31,194,045 $31,698,374 101.62%

How much funding is programmed to local (non-state owned and operated) or tribal 

safety projects?

$436,500

How much funding is obligated to local or tribal safety projects?

$691,480

A total of $436,500 is programmed to projects that have local ownership or have Tribal/Indian involvement. The 

three projects are briefly mentioned below.

$315,000 for CN - 6100782 which includes Tribal/Indian involvement and improves the lighting along the 

project corridor.

$90,000 for CN - A301700 which has an ownership of Other Local Agency and includes pedestrian, roadway 

and drainage improvements.

$31,500 for CN - 9900566 which included Sandia Pueblo PD is a training seminar that focused on how to 

complete the updated UCR.

A total of $691,480.27 is obligated to the three projects mentioned in the first part of this question.

$569,980.27 for CN - 6100782
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 17 of 44

$90,000 for CN - A301700

$31,500 for CN - 9900566

How much funding is programmed to non-infrastructure safety projects?

$2,165,212

How much funding is obligated to non-infrastructure safety projects?

$2,102,912

A total of $2,165,212 is programmed and $2,102,912.23 is obligated to projects that are considered to be noninfrastructure safety projects. The CNs for these projects are: · 6101390

· 9900541

· 9900554

· 9900561

· 9900562

· 9900563

· 9900564

· 9900566

· 9900560

How much funding was transferred in to the HSIP from other core program areas 

during the reporting period under 23 U.S.C. 126?

0%

How much funding was transferred out of the HSIP to other core program areas during 

the reporting period under 23 U.S.C. 126?

0%

None.

Discuss impediments to obligating HSIP funds and plans to overcome this challenge in 

the future.

In some instances, project development and delivery took longer than originally anticipated, which affected 

timing for obligation of funds for projects. Improvements in project scoping and improvements in crash data 

analysis can help mitigate this issue. Building off of the improvements in crash data leads to better data 

analysis, which leads to better network screening results. In turn, better HSIP projects can be obligated with a 

more objective evaluation process.

Describe any other aspects of the State’s progress in implementing HSIP projects on 

which the State would like to elaborate. 

To augment efforts for the HSIP program and annual report preparation, NMDOT continues to utilize 

consultant support. Additionally, within the Multimodal Planning and Program Bureau, the HSIP Planner 

position has been filled after years of vacancy.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 18 of 44

General Listing of Projects

List the projects obligated using HSIP funds for the reporting period.

PROJECT NAME IMPROVEMENT 

CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY OUTPUTS OUTPUT TYPE

HSIP 

PROJECT 

COST($)

TOTAL 

PROJECT 

COST($)

FUNDING 

CATEGORY

LAND 

USE/AREA 

TYPE

FUNCTIONAL 

CLASSIFICATION AADT SPEED OWNERSHIP

METHOD 

FOR SITE 

SELECTION

SHSP 

EMPHASIS 

AREA

SHSP 

STRATEGY

1101450 - Final 

Phase of US 180 

urban project in 

Silver City, 

Intersection 

geometry

Intersection 

geometry - other

8 Intersections $3375000 $5522556 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther11,699 35 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections -Improve 

right/left-turn 

channelization

-Revise 

geometry of 

complex 

intersection 

designs

-Realign 

intersection 

approaches to 

reduce

1101800 - Santa 

Clara Multimodal 

Project

Pedestrians and 

bicyclists

Pedestrians and 

bicyclists – other

2.5 Miles $2479023 $4119046 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther11,699 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Pedestrians -Install or 

upgrade 

traffic/pedestrian 

signals, refuge 

islands, and 

raised

medians based 

on the identified 

need

2104350 -

Intersection of 

Indian Wells and 

White Sands 

Realignment

Pedestrians and 

bicyclists

ADA curb ramps 12 Ramps $2588756.17 $3700000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther16,391 45 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Pedestrians -Provide 

Americans with 

Disabilities Act 

(ADA)-compliant 

sidewalks/

walkways/trails, 

crosswalks, and 

curb ramps at 

locations with 

identified

needs

6100782 - 40 

MILES NORTH 

OF GALLUP

Lighting Continuous 

roadway lighting

28 Lights $569980.27 $633311.41 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther3,968 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Pedestrians - Implement 

street lighting 

and other 

measures to 

improve 

conspicuity and 

visibility of 

pedestrians

6101390 - I-40/ 

US 491 

Interchange

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Study $494915.12 $1700000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialInterstate26,903 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Data -

Provide/improve 

right/left-turn 

channelization

-Revise 

geometry of 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 19 of 44

PROJECT NAME IMPROVEMENT 

CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY OUTPUTS OUTPUT TYPE

HSIP 

PROJECT 

COST($)

TOTAL 

PROJECT 

COST($)

FUNDING 

CATEGORY

LAND 

USE/AREA 

TYPE

FUNCTIONAL 

CLASSIFICATION AADT SPEED OWNERSHIP

METHOD 

FOR SITE 

SELECTION

SHSP 

EMPHASIS 

AREA

SHSP 

STRATEGY

complex 

intersections

-Realign 

intersection 

approaches to 

improve skew 

angle

9900811 - Metal 

Beam Guardrail

Roadside Barrier- metal 23 Miles $3094176 $8173713 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate19,032 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 

attenuation 

systems

9900812 - Metal 

Beam Guardrail

Roadside Barrier- metal 65.5 Miles $7574037.83 $10440282 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate23,631 75 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 

attenuation 

systems

9900812 - Metal 

Beam Guardrail

Roadside Barrier- metal 65.5 Miles $626160 $10440282 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 154)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate23,631 75 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 

attenuation 

systems

9900812 - Metal 

Beam Guardrail

Roadside Barrier- metal 65.5 Miles $183592 $10440282 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate23,631 75 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 20 of 44

PROJECT NAME IMPROVEMENT 

CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY OUTPUTS OUTPUT TYPE

HSIP 

PROJECT 

COST($)

TOTAL 

PROJECT 

COST($)

FUNDING 

CATEGORY

LAND 

USE/AREA 

TYPE

FUNCTIONAL 

CLASSIFICATION AADT SPEED OWNERSHIP

METHOD 

FOR SITE 

SELECTION

SHSP 

EMPHASIS 

AREA

SHSP 

STRATEGY

attenuation 

systems

9900904 -

Guardrail 

Replacement

Roadside Barrier- metal 13 Miles $3330000 $3700000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate7,269 75 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 

attenuation 

systems

A300191 - NM 

314 & 

COURTHOUSE 

RD 

INTERSECTION 

IMPROVEMENTS

Intersection 

geometry

Intersection 

geometry - other

1 Intersections $1696538.61 $6055000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Major Collector 8,435 30 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections -

Provide/improve 

left-turn 

channelization

-

Provide/improve 

right-turn 

channelization

-Revise 

geometry of 

complex

A301700 -

Delgado Avenue 

Roadway & 

Pedestrian 

Improvements

Pedestrians and 

bicyclists

Install sidewalk 0.33 Miles $90000 $822223 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Major Collector 1,285 25 Other Local 

Agency

Spot Pedestrians Provide 

Americans with 

Disabilities Act 

(ADA)-compliant 

sidewalks/

walkways/trails, 

crosswalks, and 

curb ramps at 

locations with 

identified

needs

NM 187 Bridge 

Replacement

Roadway Roadway - other 6 Bridges $3519848 $15335670 HRRR 

Special Rule 

(23 U.S.C. 

148(g)(1))

Rural Major Collector 844 45 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Roadway 

Departure

Apply shoulder 

treatments, such 

as eliminate 

shoulder dropoffs,

incorporate 

safety edge, and 

widen and/or 

pave shoulders.

Traffic Records 

Coordination

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Traffic 

Records 

Coordination

$177461.11 $597307 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 21 of 44

PROJECT NAME IMPROVEMENT 

CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY OUTPUTS OUTPUT TYPE

HSIP 

PROJECT 

COST($)

TOTAL 

PROJECT 

COST($)

FUNDING 

CATEGORY

LAND 

USE/AREA 

TYPE

FUNCTIONAL 

CLASSIFICATION AADT SPEED OWNERSHIP

METHOD 

FOR SITE 

SELECTION

SHSP 

EMPHASIS 

AREA

SHSP 

STRATEGY

Crash data 

software 

upgrades

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Computer 

Software

$43200 $58000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement

New Mexico State 

Police

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Computer 

Software

$698400 $816594 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement

Dona Ana County 

Sheriff Office 

TRACS

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Computer 

Software

$274500 $460000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement

Administrative 

Office of the 

Courts

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Computer 

Software

$225000 $300000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement

Iowa DOT (TraCS 

Licensing)

Miscellaneous Data analysis 1 Computer 

Software

$147600 $168000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement

US 70 Sign 

Replacement

Roadway signs 

and traffic 

control

Sign sheeting -

upgrade or 

replacement

31 Miles $191941.53 $350000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate17,667 75 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 

attenuation 

systems

US 70 Sign 

Replacement

Roadway signs 

and traffic 

control

Sign sheeting -

upgrade or 

replacement

36.5 Miles $276408.79 $250000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

Urban Principal ArterialOther40,474 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Roadway 

Departure

Improve and, if 

needed, 

upgrade the 

design of 

roadside 

hardware and

application of 

barrier and 

impact 

attenuation 

systems

South West 

Training 

Consultants 

(SWTC)

Miscellaneous Training and 

workforce 

development

1 Training $31500 $35000 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement

H164 project setaside fundingMiscellaneous Data analysis 1 Computer 

Software

$10336 $11484 Penalty 

Funds (23 

U.S.C. 164)

N/A N/A 0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

DataRelatedData Data 

Improvement
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 22 of 44

The project list for FY2020 was uploaded into the Online Reporting Tool using the Microsoft Excel template. This project list includes a project with project title “Metal Beam Guardrail” and had CN - 9900812. This particular project had 

three type of funding categories utilized: HSIP Funds (23 U.S.C. 148), Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 154), and Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 164).

In order to include all funds that were obligated for FY2020, this project was listed three times in the project list. One row represents the HSIP Funds (23 U.S.C. 148) funding category for $7,574,037.83, another row represents Penalty 

Funds (23 U.S.C. 154) for $626,160.00, while another row represents the Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 164) funding category for $183,592.00.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 23 of 44

Safety Performance

General Highway Safety Trends

Present data showing the general highway safety trends in the State for the past five 

years.

PERFORMANCE 

MEASURES 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fatalities 366 311 386 298 405 380 392 424 398

Serious Injuries 1,624 1,314 1,249 1,329 1,153 1,133 1,057 1,079 829

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

1.432 1.240 1.523 1.086 1.452 1.365 1.433 1.527 1.680

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

6.353 5.238 4.928 4.844 4.135 4.070 3.873 3.792 3.499

Number non-motorized 

fatalities

68 55 78 62 81 81 95 92 89

Number of nonmotorized serious 

injuries

89 120 120 155 110 116 110 117 86

non-motorized fatalities 

and serious injuries

157 175 198 217 191 197 205 209 175
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 24 of 44

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fatalities 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Annual Fatalities

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Serious Injuries 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Annual Serious Injuries
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 25 of 44

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Fatality rate (per HMVMT)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT) 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT)
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 26 of 44

• The value for the 2018 fatalities has changed since the summer of 2020. It was previously listed as 391 

and has been changed to 392.

• The value for the 2019 A-Injuries has changed since the summer of 2020. It was previously listed as 

1,053 and has been changed to 1,079.

0

50

100

150

200

250

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fatalities Serious Injuries 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Non Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries

0

50

100

150

200

250

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries 5 Year Rolling Avg.

non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 27 of 44

• The value for the 2019 A-Injury rate changed since the summer of 2020. It was previously listed as 

3.882 and has been changes to 3.885.

• The value for the 2019 non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries has changed since the summer of 

2020. It was previously listed as 200 and has been changed to 209. Changes have also been made to 

the fatal and A-Injury values in 2019.

• The data used for 2020 is provisional. 

Describe fatality data source.

FARS

The source for the 2020 fatality values is the NMDOT crash dataset prepared by UNM. FARS does not have 

2020 fatality data published at the time of filling out this report, so the UNM dataset was used as a supplement. 

All non-2020 fatality data is based on FARS.

To the maximum extent possible, present this data by functional classification and 

ownership.

Year 2020

Functional 

Classification

Number of Fatalities

(5-yr avg)

Number of Serious 

Injuries

(5-yr avg)

Fatality Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Serious Injury Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - 

Interstate

57 82 1.25 1.8

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - Other 

Freeways and 

Expressways

0 0 0 0

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - Other

55.6 82 1.46 2.14

Rural Minor Arterial 31.8 53 1.72 2.85

Rural Minor Collector 9 11 1.8 2.27

Rural Major Collector 37.4 68 2.26 4.12

Rural Local Road or 

Street

22.2 43.4 0.53 1.04

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - 

Interstate

32 95.2 1.19 3.49

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - Other 

Freeways and 

Expressways

1 3.8 0.88 3.29

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - Other

97.6 357.6 2.74 10.08
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 28 of 44

Functional 

Classification

Number of Fatalities

(5-yr avg)

Number of Serious 

Injuries

(5-yr avg)

Fatality Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Serious Injury Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Urban Minor Arterial 23.6 105 1.52 6.6

Urban Minor Collector 2 8.8 0.86 3.81

Urban Major Collector 11.6 57.2 1.21 5.95

Urban Local Road or 

Street

10.4 63 1.18 7.67
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 29 of 44

Year 2020

Roadways Number of Fatalities

(5-yr avg)

Number of Serious 

Injuries

(5-yr avg)

Fatality Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Serious Injury Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

State Highway 

Agency

270.2 562.2 31.98 3.1

County Highway 

Agency

34.2 105.4 6.17 2.99

Town or Township 

Highway Agency

0 0.2 0 0

City or Municipal 

Highway Agency

80 355 9.06 6.11

State Park, Forest, or 

Reservation Agency

0 0 0.02 0

Local Park, Forest or 

Reservation Agency

0 0 0 0

Other State Agency 0 0 0 0

Other Local Agency 0 0 0.01 0

Private (Other than 

Railroad)

0.6 1.4 1.18 0.24

Railroad 0 0 0 0

State Toll Authority 0 0 0 0

Local Toll Authority 0 0 0 0

Other Public 

Instrumentality (e.g. 

Airport, School, 

University)

0 0 0 0

Indian Tribe Nation 5.4 3.8 1.93 0.49

Provide additional discussion related to general highway safety trends.

See inputs in the comments section for each performance target in Question #34.

Safety Performance Targets

Safety Performance Targets

Calendar Year 2022 Targets *

Number of Fatalities:421.9
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 30 of 44

Describe the basis for established target, including how it supports SHSP goals.

The five-year average fatalities increased by 13.2 percent between 2016 and 2020. Using preliminary data for 

2020 and projected data for 2021 and 2022, it is expected that fatalities will increase by roughly 13.4 percent 

between 2018 and 2022. In 2019, fatalities involving large, personal vehicles (Pick-up Trucks/Vans/SUVs/4-

Wheel Drives) or involving pedestrians/pedalcyclists accounted for 55.3 percent of all crash fatalities. In 2020, 

this same focus group accounted for 59.0 percent of all fatalities. Given the prevalence of large, personal 

vehicle ownership and projected increase in fatalities overall, the five-year average projection of 421.9 fatalities 

is determined to be the 2022 target.

The basis for projecting the safety performance targets are based on a linear best fit line that is reliant on 

actual New Mexico data from prior years. The projection of linear best fit lines was used to obtain the FFY2022 

targets. These targets are supported by the 2016 New Mexico SHSP goals since they are data-driven and 

generated with a collaborative approach.

Number of Serious Injuries:1030.5

Describe the basis for established target, including how it supports SHSP goals.

Preliminary suspected serious injury numbers show a decrease of roughly 23% from 2019 to 2020. This can 

partially be attributed to lower VMT in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to adjust to these 

fluctuations, we will use the targets that were set in the summer of 2020, prior to any COVID-19 considerations 

and impacts, leaving the state with a five-year average projection of 1,030.5 as the 2022 target.

The basis for projecting the safety performance targets are based on a linear best fit line that is reliant on 

actual New Mexico data from prior years. The projection of linear best fit lines was used to obtain the FFY2022 

targets. These targets are supported by the 2016 New Mexico SHSP goals since they are data-driven and 

generated with a collaborative approach.

Fatality Rate:1.645

Describe the basis for established target, including how it supports SHSP goals.

Five-year average fatalities are expected to increase in 2022 from 2018, thus the projected five-year average 

of 1.645 fatalities per HMVMT is the 2022 target.

The basis for projecting the safety performance targets are based on a linear best fit line that is reliant on 

actual New Mexico data from prior years. The projection of linear best fit lines was used to obtain the FFY2021 

targets. These targets are supported by the 2016 New Mexico SHSP goals since they are data-driven and 

generated with a collaborative approach.

Serious Injury Rate:3.824

Describe the basis for established target, including how it supports SHSP goals.

The five-year average projection set in the 2021 PM Targets Report of 3.824 A-Injuries per HMVMT is also the 

2022 target. Preliminary VMT numbers show a decrease of roughly 15% from 2019 to 2020, which can partially 

be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to adjust to these fluctuations, we will use the targets that 

were set in the summer of 2020, prior to any COVID-19 considerations and impacts.

The basis for projecting the safety performance targets are based on a linear best fit line that is reliant on 

actual New Mexico data from prior years. The projection of linear best fit lines was used to obtain the FFY2022 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 31 of 44

targets. These targets are supported by the 2016 New Mexico SHSP goals since they are data-driven and 

generated with a collaborative approach.

Total Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries:190.6

Describe the basis for established target, including how it supports SHSP goals.

Five-year average non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries are projected to remain relatively constant over 

the next two years from 2021 to 2022. The five-year average projection of 190.6 is the 2022 target. The basis 

for projecting the safety performance targets are based on a linear best fit line that is reliant on actual New 

Mexico data from prior years. The projection of linear best fit lines was used to obtain the FFY2022 targets. 

These targets are supported by the 2016 New Mexico SHSP goals since they are data-driven and generated 

with a collaborative approach.

Describe efforts to coordinate with other stakeholders (e.g. MPOs, SHSO) to establish 

safety performance targets. 

Development of improved data quality can help all safety stakeholders to identify and establish more realistic 

and well-defined safety targets. Communicating concerns like this to other stakeholders helps facilitate 

improved safety initiatives. On June 24, 2021, the NMDOT Traffic Safety Bureau held a meeting with 

stakeholders to discuss, review, and adopt the data and targets required in the HSP target setting effort. MPPB 

staff then presented the proposed targets to the MPOs at a virtual meeting for feedback and provided a memo 

to the MPOs requesting written comments.

Does the State want to report additional optional targets? 

No

Consistent with the SHSP, the NMDOT will continue to focus on reducing fatalities and serious injuries in New 

Mexico, with consideration of guidance provided by the FHWA and federal legislation.

Describe progress toward meeting the State’s 2020 Safety Performance Targets (based 

on data available at the time of reporting). For each target, include a discussion of any 

reasons for differences in the actual outcomes and targets.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES TARGETS ACTUALS

Number of Fatalities 401.9 399.8

Number of Serious Injuries 1074.2 1050.2

Fatality Rate 1.429 1.491

Serious Injury Rate 3.820 3.874

Non-Motorized Fatalities and 

Serious Injuries

204.0 195.4

NMDOT’s safety targets were established based on a series of meetings with the Multimodal Planning and 

Programs Bureau and other stakeholders. The state set annual targets for five performance measures listed 

below:

1. Number of Total Fatalities 

2. Number of Serious Injuries 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 32 of 44

3. Fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled (VMT) or fatality rate 

4. Serious Injuries per 100 million VMT or serious injury rate 

5. Number of Non-motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries 

Progress, in terms of meeting the forecasted targets, is described below. The measure used to describe 

progress is the Five-Year Moving Average.

1. Number of Total Fatalities. The 2020 forecast target for fatalities was 401.9 and the actual Five-Year 

Moving Average for 2020 (based on preliminary NMDOT data) is 399.8. The actual 2020 value 

compared to the forecast target in 2019 was a decrease of 0.5 percent. This is a very small decrease, 

showing that the forecasted value was consistent with what has occurred statewide. NMDOT uses a 

linear best fit model of crash data as the primary tool to plot data for future years and this does not 

consider travel changes. 

2. Number of Serious Injuries. The 2020 forecast target for total serious injuries was 1,074.2 and the 

actual Five-Year Moving Average for 2020 (based on preliminary NMDOT data) is 1,050.2. The actual 

value for 2020 compared to the forecast target in 2019 is a decrease of 2.2 percent. New Mexico 

continued to experience a small, but steady decrease in total serious injuries in 2020. The year-overyear decreasing trend in serious injuries spans back to 2013.

3. Fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled (VMT) or fatality rate. The 2020 forecast target for the 

rate of fatalities was 1.429 and the actual Five-Year Moving Average for 2020 (based on preliminary 

NMDOT data) is 1.491. The actual value for 2020 compared to the forecast target in 2019 was an 

increase of 4.3 percent. This increase, to some extent, can be attributed to higher speeds and lower 

volumes in 2020 due to the pandemic. With less vehicles on roads due to the pandemic and 

quarantining, higher speeds were more consistently achievable. The higher speeds correlate with 

higher severity crashes and follows a nationwide trend.

4. Serious Injuries per 100 million VMT or serious injury rate. The 2020 forecast target for the rate of 

serious injuries was 3.820 and the actual Five-Year Moving Average for 2020 (based on preliminary 

NMDOT data) was 3.874. The actual value for 2020 compared to the forecast target in 2019 was an 

increase of 1.4 percent. This increase in serious injury rate again should not be overshadowed by the 

very positive trend that continues for total serious injuries in New Mexico. But like the explanation for 

the fatality rate, the small increase could be attributed to the impacts of the pandemic. 

5. Number of Non-motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries. The 2020 forecast target for number of nonmotorized fatalities and serious injuries was 204.0 and the actual Five-Year Moving Average for 2020 

(based on preliminary NMDOT data) is 195.4. The actual value for 2020 compared to the forecast 

target in 2019 is a decrease of 4.2 percent. Potential contributors to this decrease include NMDOT 

becoming a Pedestrian Focus State, designating both pedestrian and bicycle crashes as SHSP 

Emphasis Areas, and recently conducting network screening of pedestrian crashes to identify high risk 

locations. Additionally, the value in 2020 was slightly lower that previous years, possibly due to 

residents quarantining and doing less walking/bicycling.

Applicability of Special Rules

Does the HRRR special rule apply to the State for this reporting period? 

Yes 

Consistent with federal criteria for development of projects that address the HRRR special rule, the NMDOT 

programmed a project (CN-1101370) which included money from the HRRR Special Rule (23 U.S.C. 

148(g))(1)) funding category. This project is classified as a rural, major collector, with an ownership listed as 

‘State Highway Agency’. This project will address a number of safety concerns related to the existing 

conditions providing no shoulder to drivers on six bridges. The bridges will have shoulder treatments applied, 
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 33 of 44

increasing to a 4-foot shoulder, in order to create a more forgiving roadside. The southern portion of the project 

corridor was identified as a safety tier 3 segment in the 2019 NMDOT maintained roads Network Screening.

Provide the number of older driver and pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries 65 

years of age and older for the past seven years.

PERFORMANCE 

MEASURES 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Number of Older Driver 

and Pedestrian Fatalities

29 30 47 46 50 41 42

Number of Older Driver 

and Pedestrian Serious 

Injuries

108 80 83 101 90 107 54

At the time of populating this report (mid-August), the 2020 crash data was not listed on FARS. The NMDOT 

dataset prepared by UNM was used for calculating the 2020 fatality and A-injuries numbers for older 

pedestrians and older drivers.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 34 of 44

Evaluation 

Program Effectiveness

How does the State measure effectiveness of the HSIP?

• Change in fatalities and serious injuries

None

Based on the measures of effectiveness selected previously, describe the results of 

the State's program level evaluations.

To date, NMDOT has evaluated programs on a limited basis and has instead focused on developing a more 

robust safety management process based on guidance from HSM Part B. A key step in the HSM Part B 

Roadway Safety Management Process is evaluating the effectiveness of countermeasures and projects. 

Recent progress in improving crash data quality will support this effort in the future.

What other indicators of success does the State use to demonstrate effectiveness and 

success of the Highway Safety Improvement Program?

• HSIP Obligations

• Increased awareness of safety and data-driven process

• Policy change

• Other-Development of improved HSIP internal and external procedures

The options from the checkboxes are expanded upon below.

1. Use of HSIP fund obligations for only HSIP projects.

2. Increased awareness of safety and data-driven process to identify candidate projects.

3. Policy change - development of policy guidance documents, such as the HSIP Manual, which is soon to be 

completed.

4. Other-development of improved HSIP internal and external procedures, such as improved databases.

Describe significant program changes that have occurred since the last reporting 

period.

The NMDOT is in the process of updating the data for the Strategic Highway Safety Plan. A major change in 

this effort is shifting from analyzing fatal crashes and A-injury crashes to focusing on fatalities and A-injuries. 

Although it has not occurred yet, a significant program shift that is on the horizon is providing more safety 

materials and tools for local agencies.

Effectiveness of Groupings or Similar Types of Improvements

Present and describe trends in SHSP emphasis area performance measures.

Year 2019
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 35 of 44

SHSP Emphasis Area Targeted Crash 

Type

Number of 

Fatalities

(5-yr avg)

Number of 

Serious 

Injuries

(5-yr avg)

Fatality Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Serious Injury 

Rate

(per HMVMT)

(5-yr avg)

Roadway Departure Run-off-road 195.4 435.8 0.7 1.57

Distracted Driving All 152.4 536.4 0.55 1.93

Impaired Driving All 190.2 203.4 0.68 0.73

Speeding/Aggressive 

Driving

Speed-related 79.6 459.6 0.29 1.65

Improper Use of 

Restraints

All 130.4 153.8 0.47 0.55

Motorcycles All 47.8 143 0.17 0.51

Tribal Lands All 67 98.2 0.24 0.35

Intersections Intersections 150.6 690.4 0.54 2.49

Heavy Vehicle Truck-related 58.2 83.6 0.21 0.3

Train/Vehicle Trains 1 0.6 0 0

Animal/Wildlife Vehicle/animal 2.2 9 0.01 0.03

Pedestrian Vehicle/pedestrian 75.6 98.4 0.27 0.35

Young Drivers All 51.8 213.4 0.19 0.77

Older Drivers All 67 201 0.24 0.72

Bicycles Vehicle/bicycle 6.6 23.2 0.02 0.08

Inclement Weather All 35.4 109.8 0.13 0.4

Sleepy/Fatigued Driving All 11 29.4 0.04 0.11

Work Zone All 0.8 1.2 0 0

Transit/Buses All 3.6 8.2 0.01 0.03
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 36 of 44

0

50

100

150

200

250

Fatalities

2011-2015 2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019

Number of Fatalities 

5 Year Average

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Serious Injuries

2011-2015 2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019

Number of Serious Injuries 

5 Year Average
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 37 of 44

None

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

Fatality Rate

2011-2015 2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019

Fatality Rate (per HMVMT) 

5 Year Average

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Serious Injury Rate

2011-2015 2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019

Serious Injury Rate (per HMVMT) 

5 Year Average
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 38 of 44

Project Effectiveness

Provide the following information for previously implemented projects that the State evaluated this reporting period. 

None evaluated.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 39 of 44

Compliance Assessment

What date was the State’s current SHSP approved by the Governor or designated State representative?

 03/01/2017

What are the years being covered by the current SHSP?

From: 2017 To: 2021

When does the State anticipate completing it’s next SHSP update?

 2021

An update of the data included in the 2017 New Mexico SHSP is underway via a Task Order with a consultant. Expected completion is planned for Fall 2021.

Provide the current status (percent complete) of MIRE fundamental data elements collection efforts using the table below. 

*Based on Functional Classification (MIRE 1.0 Element Number) [MIRE 2.0 Element Number]

ROAD TYPE *MIRE NAME (MIRE 

NO.)

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - SEGMENT

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - INTERSECTION

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - RAMPS LOCAL PAVED ROADS UNPAVED ROADS

STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE

ROADWAY SEGMENT Segment Identifier 

(12) [12]

1 1 1 1 1 1

Route Number (8) 

[8]

1 0.99

Route/Street Name 

(9) [9]

0.99 0.1

Federal Aid/Route 

Type (21) [21]

1 1

Rural/Urban 

Designation (20) [20]

1 1 1 1

Surface Type (23) 

[24]

0.95 0.95 0.95 0.8

Begin Point 

Segment Descriptor 

(10) [10]

1 1 1 1 1 1

End Point Segment 

Descriptor (11) [11]

1 1 1 1 1 1

Segment Length 

(13) [13]

1 1

Direction of 

Inventory (18) [18]

1 1
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 40 of 44

ROAD TYPE *MIRE NAME (MIRE 

NO.)

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - SEGMENT

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - INTERSECTION

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - RAMPS LOCAL PAVED ROADS UNPAVED ROADS

STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE

Functional Class 

(19) [19]

1 1 1 1 1 1

Median Type (54) 

[55]

0.8 0.5

Access Control (22) 

[23]

1 1

One/Two Way 

Operations (91) [93]

1 1

Number of Through 

Lanes (31) [32]

1 1 0.99 0.85

Average Annual 

Daily Traffic (79) [81]

1 1 1 1

AADT Year (80) [82] 1 1

Type of 

Governmental 

Ownership (4) [4]

1 1 1 0.2 1 0.2

INTERSECTION Unique Junction 

Identifier (120) [110]

Location Identifier 

for Road 1 Crossing 

Point (122) [112]

Location Identifier 

for Road 2 Crossing 

Point (123) [113]

Intersection/Junction 

Geometry (126) 

[116]

Intersection/Junction 

Traffic Control (131) 

[131]

AADT for Each 

Intersecting Road 

(79) [81]

0.8 0.8

AADT Year (80) [82] 1 1

Unique Approach 

Identifier (139) [129]

INTERCHANGE/RAMP Unique Interchange 

Identifier (178) [168]

1 1
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 41 of 44

ROAD TYPE *MIRE NAME (MIRE 

NO.)

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - SEGMENT

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - INTERSECTION

NON LOCAL PAVED

ROADS - RAMPS LOCAL PAVED ROADS UNPAVED ROADS

STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE STATE NON-STATE

Location Identifier 

for Roadway at 

Beginning of Ramp 

Terminal (197) [187]

1 1

Location Identifier 

for Roadway at 

Ending Ramp 

Terminal (201) [191]

1 1

Ramp Length (187) 

[177]

1 1

Roadway Type at 

Beginning of Ramp 

Terminal (195) [185]

1 1

Roadway Type at 

End Ramp Terminal 

(199) [189]

1 1

Interchange Type 

(182) [172]

1 1

Ramp AADT (191) 

[181]

1 1

Year of Ramp AADT 

(192) [182]

1 1

Functional Class 

(19) [19]

1 1

Type of 

Governmental 

Ownership (4) [4]

1 1

Totals (Average Percent Complete): 0.99 0.92 0.23 0.23 1.00 1.00 0.99 0.87 1.00 0.84

*Based on Functional Classification (MIRE 1.0 Element Number) [MIRE 2.0 Element Number]

Describe actions the State will take moving forward to meet the requirement to have complete access to the MIRE fundamental data elements on all public roads by September 30, 2026.

Overview:

The NMDOT has an Advanced Linear Referencing System using Esri’s Roads and Highways database platform. When developing this system the NMDOT incorporated many of the MIRE FDE’s as feature classes in the schema. This 

new database is known as the Roadway Inventory System (RIS). Although the current schema was based on MIRE 1.0, NMDOT’s database is agile enough to update features as necessary.

The NMDOT has a very robust data collection process on all of the State-owned routes as well as Non-State-owned roads that are on the Federal Aid System. This accounts for 12,321 miles of New Mexico’s total road mileage of 71,827 

miles. As such the NMDOT stands very well on MIRE roadway segment data on the non-local roads.

Current Projects:

1. In 2019 the NMDOT joined FHWA’s pooled fund study “Applications of Enterprise Geographic Information Systems for Transportation (AEGIST).” This is a five-year study with multiple components. One of the deliverables from this 

pooled fund study is the creation of an “Intersection Module.” This module will be able to take all of the intersection data and create a table of at least eight intersection features as required for safety analysis. The implementation of the
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 42 of 44

module in New Mexico is currently scheduled to start in early 2022.

2. NMDOT’s Roadway Inventory Program is currently updating the Ownership of many NMDOT’s roads focusing on County owned and Federally owned roads. 2020 marks the first time that FHWA has provided a geodatabase of 

Federally owned roads to the states. This effort is on-going.

3. A Data Dictionary that includes the MIRE FDE definitions is currently under development and will be added to NMDOT’s public facing website. Initial deployment is expected in 2022.

4. The NMDOT initiated a project in 2020 to update route number based on various data sources for FARS compliance. This project aids in compliance with MIRE Route Number (MIRE FDE 8).

5. The NMDOT initiated a domain change for the Surface Type feature class to combine both HPMS and MIRE data elements. This change is currently being evaluated.

6. NMDOT continues to evaluate the Median Type (MIRE FDE 55) and Median Barrier Presence type (MIRE 57) for MIRE and HPMS reporting congruencies. This effort is ongoing.
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 43 of 44

Optional Attachments

Program Structure:

Q13_2021_FHWA_HSIP_Annual_Report.docx

NMDOT_2021AnnualReport_Q19_Response.docx

Project Implementation:

Safety Performance:

Evaluation:

Compliance Assessment:
2021 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 44 of 44

Glossary

5 year rolling average: means the average of five individuals, consecutive annual points of data 

(e.g. annual fatality rate).

Emphasis area: means a highway safety priority in a State’s SHSP, identified through a data-driven, 

collaborative process.

Highway safety improvement project: means strategies, activities and projects on a public road 

that are consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan and corrects or improves a hazardous 

road location or feature or addresses a highway safety problem.

HMVMT: means hundred million vehicle miles traveled.

Non-infrastructure projects: are projects that do not result in construction. Examples of noninfrastructure projects include road safety audits, transportation safety planning activities, 

improvements in the collection and analysis of data, education and outreach, and enforcement 

activities.

Older driver special rule: applies if traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and 

pedestrians over the age of 65 in a State increases during the most recent 2-year period for which 

data are available, as defined in the Older Driver and Pedestrian Special Rule Interim Guidance 

dated February 13, 2013.

Performance measure: means indicators that enable decision-makers and other stakeholders to 

monitor changes in system condition and performance against established visions, goals, and 

objectives.

Programmed funds: mean those funds that have been programmed in the Statewide Transportation 

Improvement Program (STIP) to be expended on highway safety improvement projects.

Roadway Functional Classification: means the process by which streets and highways are 

grouped into classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended to provide.

Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP): means a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary plan, based on 

safety data developed by a State Department of Transportation in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 148.

Systematic: refers to an approach where an agency deploys countermeasures at all locations across 

a system.

Systemic safety improvement: means an improvement that is widely implemented based on high 

risk roadway features that are correlated with specific severe crash types.

Transfer: means, in accordance with provisions of 23 U.S.C. 126, a State may transfer from an 

apportionment under section 104(b) not to exceed 50 percent of the amount apportioned for the fiscal 

year to any other apportionment of the State under that section.