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IOWA

HIGHWAY SAFETY 

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

Federal Highway Administration 

Photo source: Federal Highway Administration
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Table of Contents

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

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

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

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Program Structure................................................................................................................................. 5

Program Administration..................................................................................................................... 5

Program Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 6

Project Implementation ......................................................................................................................... 9

Funds Programmed........................................................................................................................... 9

General Listing of Projects ..............................................................................................................11

Safety Performance ............................................................................................................................13

General Highway Safety Trends......................................................................................................13

Safety Performance Targets............................................................................................................19

Applicability of Special Rules...........................................................................................................21

Evaluation ...........................................................................................................................................23

Program Effectiveness ....................................................................................................................23

Effectiveness of Groupings or Similar Types of Improvements .......................................................23

Project Effectiveness.......................................................................................................................26

Compliance Assessment ....................................................................................................................27

Optional Attachments..........................................................................................................................30

Glossary..............................................................................................................................................31
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Executive Summary

The past year has seen the soft release of Iowa's Potential for Crash Reduction site. This site is how we 

display our Safety Performance Functions. As of August 31, 2021, the site includes information for 

intersections only. Segmental data is being crunched and is expected to be soft released in calendar year 

2021. This exciting news is all due to the organization behind the Iowa HSIP. It's all part of our committment to 

implementing a more data-informed approach for identifying locations and potential countermeasures for safety 

improvements. The Safety Analysis Incorporation (SAI) group, with representatives from various offices across 

the DOT, continues to oversee the development of tools and processes to advance the consideration of safety 

at all stages of project development. Other efforts overseen by the SAI group include: calibration of the 

Highway Safety Manual (HSM) safety performance functions (SPFs) to Iowa conditions, publication of an Iowaspecific list of crash modification factors (CMFs), development of a suite of HSM spreadsheet tools to evaluate 

project impacts and alternatives, and a brand new Safety Analysis Guide to aide designers and planners in 

applying these safety analysis tools. Additionally, a consultant has been hired and work has begun on 

developing an intersection configuration evaluation (ICE) policy and process. 
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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 state's HSIP funds are distributed amongst two different pots: statewide and districts. Statewide projects 

are identified by central office staff based on research/study results, and can involve a mixture of hot-spot and 

systemic improvements. District projects are identified by the districts, based on their judgment or the results of 

a safety study, such as their District Road Safety Plan. All projects are selected for funding by central office 

staff. District projects are approved for funding based on whether they were identified by their respective 

District Road Safety Plan or whether the benefit-cost ratio exceeds one. District projects are typically designed 

in-house, but the majority of statewide projects are designed by an outside consultant. All projects are tracked 

by central office staff, including crashes, costs, and construction dates. Crashes for 3 to 5 years preconstruction are compared 3 to 5 years of post-construction crashes, and a benefit-cost analysis is conducted 

for all projects.

Where is HSIP staff located within the State DOT? 

 Operations

How are HSIP funds allocated in a State? 

• Formula via Districts/Regions

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

Iowa utilizes state funds to address safety on local and tribal roads. HSIP-Secondary addresses safety issues 

on the secondary (county-owned) roadway system, and is focused on funding projects that incorporate 

systemic, low-cost safety improvements. Typical countermeasures include rumble strips, grooved-in pavement 

markings, paved shoulders, improved signage, and guardrail updates. 

Safety improvements on other local roads, including county, city, and tribal roads, are addressed via the state's 

Transportation Safety Improvement Program (TSIP). TSIP is a competitive, application-based program that 

awards approximately $7 million in state funds annually for safety projects on and off the state system. Funding 

is provided in three categories: the completion of studies, the purchase of traffic control devices, and the 

construction of larger infrastructure projects.
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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

Bureaus, Divisions) are involved with HSIP planning.

• Districts/Regions

• Traffic Engineering/Safety

Describe coordination with internal partners.

Iowa DOT districts are typically charged with developing and overseeing HSIP projects, so they are consulted 

early and often in the HSIP planning process. HSIP projects are chosen that align with SHSP emphasis areas, 

typically intersections and lane departures. A large majority of funding goes toward addressing lane departure 

crashes through shoulder improvements, most commonly paving existing shoulders. District Road Safety Plans 

have been completed, so the districts utilize the project recommendations that resulted from the data-driven, 

risk-based plans, either by submitting these as HSIP candidate projects, or by addressing locations with their 

own forces.

Identify which external partners are involved with HSIP planning.

• FHWA

Describe coordination with external partners.

The HSIP manager meets annually with Iowa Division personnel to review the state's HSIP approval process 

and update it, if necessary. We also communicate through emails and phone calls throughout the year.

Program Methodology

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

implementation and evaluation processes?

Yes

An update to the HSIP Manual was planned to occur in the Spring of 2021. However, our former HSIP 

Manager worked very hard on the new Safety Analysis Guide and set the HSIP Manual update on a back 

burner. Due to the promotion of our HSIP Manager to State Traffic Engineer, the State Safety Engineer will 

now put the HSIP Manual update on the front burner of the new HSIP Manager (when hired).

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP.

• HSIP (no subprograms)

Program: HSIP (no subprograms)

Date of Program Methodology:5/1/2017

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Funding set-aside
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 

• All crashes

• Other-with consideration of fatal 

and serious injury crashes

• Volume • Roadside features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Other-Risk Factors

• Probability of specific crash types

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

program?

No

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

How are projects under this program advanced for implementation?

• 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).

Rank of Priority Consideration

Available funding:2

Cost Effectiveness:1

What percentage of HSIP funds address systemic improvements?

 25

 HSIP funds are used to address which of the following systemic 

improvements? 

• Cable Median Barriers

• Install/Improve Pavement Marking and/or Delineation

• Pavement/Shoulder Widening

• Rumble Strips
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

• Crash data analysis

• Data-driven safety analysis tools (HSM, CMF Clearinghouse, SafetyAnalyst, usRAP)

• Engineering Study

• SHSP/Local road safety plan

Does the State HSIP consider connected vehicles and ITS technologies? 

No

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.

Iowa is still working slowly, but surely, toward implementing the Highway Safety Manual (HSM). The foundation 

for increased usage is being laid by calibrating the safety performance functions (SPFs) in the HSM to local 

conditions, as well as adjusting the default crash distribution tables to reflect state-specific experience. 

Additionally, the state's intersection database has been combined with crash data to develop intersection 

SPFs. Eleven broad intersection categories have been established with 18 subcategories to achieve statistical 

significance. SPFs based on all crashes and SPFs based on fatal and serious injury crashes have been 

developed, through use of the SPF-R tool, for each category. The next step will be to develop segment SPFs.

Although the state has been using crash modification factors (CMFs) for years, the number of CMFs available 

on the CMF clearinghouse has grown exponentially, and there remains many countermeasures for which a 

good CMF does not exist. Therefore, the need for state-specific CMFs was identified, and a list of 

approximately 70 commonly used CMFs was published in August 2019. The goal is to update the list annually. 

This goal has been revised to biannually.

Finally, a consultant has developed a state-specific framework for conducting safety evaluations consistent 

with HSM methods, via a spreadsheet tool. The rural two-lane, rural multilane, and urban/suburban arterial 

versions of the tool have been delivered to the state, and the goal is to have these tools implemented in early 

2021. This goal has been revised to early 2022.
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Project Implementation

Funds Programmed

Reporting period for HSIP funding.

State Fiscal Year

Iowa's state fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30.

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

FUNDING CATEGORY PROGRAMMED OBLIGATED % 

OBLIGATED/PROGRAMMED

HSIP (23 U.S.C. 148) $23,073,300 $22,315,386 96.72%

HRRR Special Rule (23 

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

$0 $0 0%

Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 

154)

$0 $0 0%

Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 

164)

$0 $0 0%

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 $23,073,300 $22,315,386 96.72%

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

safety projects?

0%

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

0%

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

0%

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

0%
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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%

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

the future.

Impediments to fully obligating programmed HSIP funds include proper estimating and long development 

timelines. 

Initial cost estimates tend to be high in order to account for project uncertainties and to avoid having to ask for 

more money at a later time. 

Project development timelines can be affected by multiple external forces including coordination, clearances, 

and unforeseen circumstances. Our goal is to work with project sponsors and project managers to improve the 

accuracy of cost estimates and to minimize time delays in order to obligate HSIP funds to the fullest extent.
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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

HSIPX-002-

9(44)--3L89

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

7.5 Miles $1522758.6 $1825567 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 1,500 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-010-

1(82)--3L84

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

14.9 Miles $1915845.3 $2131342 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 2,200 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-010-

1(85)--3L84

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

5 Miles $841491 $934990 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 4,300 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-017-

4(47)--3L99

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

6.8 Miles $929769.3 $1033077 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Multiple/Varies Minor Arterial 2,500 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-020-

5(84)--3L42

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

7.5 Miles $1760957.1 $1958194 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther9,400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-022-

2(82)--3L92

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

2.7 Miles $1872208.8 $2150485 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 4,400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-030-

1(188)--3L43

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

8.8 Miles $1013107.5 $1125675 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther6,400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-034-

4(47)--3L88

Intersection 

geometry

Add/modify 

auxiliary lanes

1 Approaches $260845.21 $289828 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther4,900 25 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Change 

intersection 

geometry

HSIPX-039-

1(29)--3L24

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

5.9 Miles $1416793.5 $1574215 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 2,900 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-067-

2(66)--3L23

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

6.2 Miles $762066 $846740 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 2,000 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-136-

3(52)--3L31

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

9.1 Miles $1076374.8 $1199122 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther4,300 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-150-

2(27)--3L06

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

10.8 Miles $1452997.8 $1614442 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther4,900 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders
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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

HSIPX-150-

2(29)--3L06

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

7.4 Miles $527749.2 $586388 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther4,900 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-150-

4(62)--3L33

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

8.1 Miles $1667022.3 $2553222 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther2,400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-150-

5(10)--3L96

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

7 Miles $1546632.9 $1718481 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther2,400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-275-

2(24)--3L65

Shoulder 

treatments

Pave existing 

shoulders

8.5 Miles $1154227.5 $1282475 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 1,800 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Install or widen 

paved shoulders

HSIPX-000-

T(3)--3L-00

Intersection 

traffic control

Intersection 

traffic control - 

other

95 Locations $749881.8 $834252 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Multiple/Varies Principal ArterialOther Freeways & 

Expressways

0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Pavement 

markings/signage 

to prevent wrongway driving at 

intersections on 

divided highways

IHSIPX080-

1(518)18--

08-78

Roadside Barrier – cable 11.6 Miles $1844657.1 $2049619 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate25,000 70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Continue median 

cable barrier 

installations on 

the Interstate 

system
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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 365 317 322 320 402 331 319 336 337

Serious Injuries 1,637 1,549 1,522 1,470 1,510 1,467 1,312 1,347 1,312

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

1.156 1.005 0.996 0.967 1.209 0.981 0.952 0.995 1.128

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

5.184 4.911 4.707 4.440 4.540 4.347 3.916 3.988 4.391

Number non-motorized 

fatalities

25 23 25 30 28 29 27 32 38

Number of nonmotorized serious 

injuries

124 115 101 121 107 97 94 98 104
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Annual Fatalities

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 Serious Injuries

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.
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Fatality rate (per HMVMT)

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT) 5 Year Rolling Avg.
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Non Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fatalities Serious Injuries 5 Year Rolling Avg.

Describe fatality data source.

State Motor Vehicle Crash Database

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

State Highway 

Agency

175.4 607.6 0.86 2.97

County Highway 

Agency

116 453 2.13 8.31

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - Other 

Freeways and 

Expressways

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - Other
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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)

Town or Township 

Highway Agency

City or Municipal 

Highway Agency

52 321.6 0.75 4.65

Rural Minor Arterial

Rural Minor Collector

State Park, Forest, or 

Reservation Agency

Rural Major Collector

Local Park, Forest or 

Reservation Agency

Other State Agency

Rural Local Road or 

Street

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - 

Interstate

Other Local Agency

Private (Other than 

Railroad)

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - Other 

Freeways and 

Expressways

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - Other

Railroad

Urban Minor Arterial

State Toll Authority

Local Toll Authority

Urban Minor Collector

Urban Major Collector
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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)

Other Public 

Instrumentality (e.g. 

Airport, School, 

University)

Urban Local Road or 

Street

Indian Tribe Nation
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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

175.4 607.6 0.86 2.97

County Highway 

Agency

116 453 2.13 8.31

Town or Township 

Highway Agency

City or Municipal 

Highway Agency

52 321.6 0.75 4.65

State Park, Forest, or 

Reservation Agency

Local Park, Forest or 

Reservation Agency

Other State Agency

Other Local Agency

Private (Other than 

Railroad)

Railroad

State Toll Authority

Local Toll Authority

Other Public 

Instrumentality (e.g. 

Airport, School, 

University)

Indian Tribe Nation

Safety Performance Targets

Safety Performance Targets

Calendar Year 2022 Targets *

Number of Fatalities:337.8

Describe the basis for established target, including how it supports SHSP goals.
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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A simple trend analysis of historical fatality data was performed. An integrated moving average model was run 

to estimate how much risk would be associated with each set of predictions. Our working group settled on 

using a 75% confidence level. This means we are at least 75% confident the actual 5-year rolling average will 

be less than the target.

Number of Serious Injuries:1327.2

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

A simple trend analysis of historical serious injury data was performed. An integrated moving average model 

was run to estimate how much risk would be associated with each set of predictions. Our working group settled 

on using a 75% confidence level. This means we are at least 75% confident the actual 5-year rolling average 

will be less than the target.

Fatality Rate:1.037

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

A simple trend analysis of historical fatality data was performed. An integrated moving average model was run 

to estimate how much risk would be associated with each set of predictions. Our working group settled on 

using a 75% confidence level. This means we are at least 75% confident the actual 5-year rolling average will 

be less than the target. This target supports the SHSP goal of continuing to reduce the fatality rate to 1.000 per 

HMVMT.

Serious Injury Rate:4.073

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

A simple trend analysis of historical serious injury data was performed. An integrated moving average model 

was run to estimate how much risk would be associated with each set of predictions. Our working group settled 

on using a 75% confidence level. This means we are at least 75% confident the actual 5-year rolling average 

will be less than the target. This target supports the SHSP goal of continuing to reduce the serious injury rate 

below 4.300 per HMVMT.

Total Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries:129.8

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

A simple trend analysis of historical non-motorized fatality and serious injury data was performed. An 

integrated moving average model was run to estimate how much risk would be associated with each set of 

predictions. Our working group settled on using a 75% confidence level. This means we are at least 75% 

confident the actual 5-year rolling average will be less than the target.

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

safety performance targets. 

The DOT's safety target working group established the methodology for setting the performance targets, using 

the same process as last year and the year before. The chosen targets and a description of the methodology 

were shared with representatives from the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau for comment. No comments were 

received. 

A draft safety memo outlining the chosen targets and methodology was sent to all MPOs in the state with a 
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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request for comments. No substantive comments regarding the targets or the methodology were received 

during the comment period.

Does the State want to report additional optional targets? 

No

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 345.8 345.0

Number of Serious Injuries 1396.2 1389.6

Fatality Rate 1.011 1.053

Serious Injury Rate 4.083 4.236

Non-Motorized Fatalities and 

Serious Injuries

138.1 130.8

The state met its target for the 5-year average number of fatalities. The state met its target for the 5-year 

average number of serious injuries. The state did not meet its targets for the 5-year average fatality rate or for 

the 5-year average serious injury rate. This is believed to be related to the unique traffic volume fluctuations 

brought on by Covid-19. The state met its target for the 5-year average number of non-motorized fatalities and 

serious injuries.

In the effort to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on all of Iowa's roadways, Iowa DOT and partner agencies 

have continued to install more paved shoulders, shoulder rumbles, centerline rumbles, and intersection 

improvements that help traffic move more smoothly as well as protect motorists and non-motorists. Continuing 

to implement these systemic measures is continuing to affect the 5-year moving average of fatalities and 

serious injuries. The only 1-strategy-fits-all answer to the problem of traffic tragedies would be changing traffic 

safety culture among road users. Traffic volumes dipped severely in mid-March 2020 and continued to stay 

unusually low until mid-summer 2020.

Applicability of Special Rules

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

No

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

55 51 56 52 51 51 51
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PERFORMANCE 

MEASURES 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Number of Older Driver 

and Pedestrian Serious 

Injuries

146 123 125 155 127 144 119
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Evaluation 

Program Effectiveness

How does the State measure effectiveness of the HSIP?

• Benefit/Cost Ratio

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

the State's program level evaluations.

Overall since fiscal year 2001, the state's HSIP expenditures have resulted in a benefit-cost ratio of 

approximately 6 to 1. Some of the highest B-C ratios resulted from extremely low-cost improvements such as 

supplemental roadway signs, lighting, or roadside clearing.

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

• Increased focus on local road safety

• Organizational change

• Policy change

Effectiveness of Groupings or Similar Types of Improvements

Present and describe trends in SHSP emphasis area performance measures.

Year 2020

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)

Lane Departure 196.2 576.6 0.59 1.71

Intersections 77.6 342.6 0.23 1.02

Pedestrians 25.2 70.2 0.07 0.21

Bicyclists 8 34.6 0.02 0.1

Older Drivers 71.4 189.4 0.21 0.56

Motorcyclists 49.4 216.2 0.15 0.64

Work Zones 8.2 19.2 0.02 0.05
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Number of Fatalities 

5 Year Average

0

50

100

150

200

250

Lane

Departure

Intersections Pedestrians Bicyclists Older DriversMotorcyclists Work Zones

Fatalities

2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019 2016-2020

Number of Serious Injuries 

5 Year Average

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Lane

Departure

Intersections Pedestrians Bicyclists Older DriversMotorcyclists Work Zones

Serious Injuries

2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019 2016-2020
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Fatality Rate (per HMVMT) 

5 Year Average

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

Lane

Departure

Intersections Pedestrians Bicyclists Older Drivers Motorcyclists Work Zones

Fatality Rate

2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019 2016-2020

Serious Injury Rate (per HMVMT) 

5 Year Average

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

Lane

Departure

Intersections Pedestrians Bicyclists Older Drivers Motorcyclists Work Zones

Serious Injury Rate

2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019 2016-2020
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Project Effectiveness

Provide the following information for previously implemented projects that the State evaluated this reporting period. 
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Compliance Assessment

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

 12/20/2018

What are the years being covered by the current SHSP?

From: 2019 To: 2023

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

 2023

A new Transportation Planner was hired into the Safety Engineering Section to take over the management and implementation of the SHSP in early 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]

100 100 100 100 100 100

Route Number (8) 

[8]

100 100

Route/Street Name 

(9) [9]

100 100

Federal Aid/Route 

Type (21) [21]

100 100

Rural/Urban 

Designation (20) [20]

100 100 100 100

Surface Type (23) 

[24]

100 100 100 100

Begin Point 

Segment Descriptor 

(10) [10]

100 100 100 100 100 100

End Point Segment 

Descriptor (11) [11]

100 100 100 100 100 100

Segment Length 

(13) [13]

100 100

Direction of 

Inventory (18) [18]

100 100

Functional Class 

(19) [19]

100 100 100 100 100 100
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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ROAD TYPE *MIRE NAME (MIRE

NO.)

LOCAL PAVED ROADS UNPAVED ROADS

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

ROADS - SEGMENT ROADS - INTERSECTION ROADS - RAMPS

NON LOCAL PAVED NON LOCAL PAVED NON LOCAL PAVED

Median Type (54) 

[55]

100 100

Access Control (22) 

[23]

100 100

One/Two Way 

Operations (91) [93]

100 100

Number of Through 

Lanes (31) [32]

100 100 100 100

Average Annual 

Daily Traffic (79) [81]

100 100 100 100

AADT Year (80) [82] 100 100

Type of 

Governmental 

Ownership (4) [4]

100 100 100 100 100 100

INTERSECTION Unique Junction 

Identifier (120) [110]

100 100

Location Identifier 

for Road 1 Crossing 

Point (122) [112]

100 100

Location Identifier 

for Road 2 Crossing 

Point (123) [113]

100 100

Intersection/Junction 

Geometry (126) 

[116]

100 100

Intersection/Junction 

Traffic Control (131) 

[131]

100 100

AADT for Each 

Intersecting Road 

(79) [81]

100 100

AADT Year (80) [82] 100 100

Unique Approach 

Identifier (139) [129]

100 100

INTERCHANGE/RAMP Unique Interchange 

Identifier (178) [168]

100 100

Location Identifier 

for Roadway at 

100 100
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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

Beginning of Ramp 

Terminal (197) [187]

Location Identifier 

for Roadway at 

Ending Ramp 

Terminal (201) [191]

100 100

Ramp Length (187) 

[177]

100 100

Roadway Type at 

Beginning of Ramp 

Terminal (195) [185]

100 100

Roadway Type at 

End Ramp Terminal 

(199) [189]

100 100

Interchange Type 

(182) [172]

100 100

Ramp AADT (191) 

[181]

100 100

Year of Ramp AADT 

(192) [182]

100 100

Functional Class 

(19) [19]

100 100

Type of 

Governmental 

Ownership (4) [4]

100 100

Totals (Average Percent Complete): 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

It is understood that individual data elements may not be 100% accurate at all times due to reporting lags.

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.

No actions required - state is already compliant.
Page 30 of 31

2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

Optional Attachments 

Program Structure:

HSIP Manual FINAL FY 19.pdf

Project Implementation:

Safety Performance:

Evaluation:

Compliance Assessment:
2021 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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.