Iowa

Highway Safety Improvement Program

2015 Annual Report

Prepared by: IA
ii

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. 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.”
iii

Table of Contents

Disclaimer...................................................................................................................................................... ii

Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Program Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Program Administration ........................................................................................................................... 2

Program Methodology.............................................................................................................................. 4

Progress in Implementing Projects............................................................................................................. 10

Funds Programmed............................................................................................................................. 10

General Listing of Projects.................................................................................................................. 13

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets .................................................................................... 23

Overview of General Safety Trends........................................................................................................ 23

Application of Special Rules.................................................................................................................... 37

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program Evaluation) ..........................................39

SHSP Emphasis Areas.............................................................................................................................. 40

Groups of similar project types............................................................................................................... 45

Systemic Treatments............................................................................................................................... 50

Project Evaluation................................................................................................................................... 56

Glossary....................................................................................................................................................... 58
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

1

Executive Summary

This is the first year that a previously initiated local safety program has yielded project obligations. In 

addition, the state continues to fund the placement of median cable barriers as a systemic safety 

measure on interstate highways. Finally, it should be noted that Iowa is interested in modifying how 

HSIP funds are sub-allocated within the state, and how projects are selected. This is evidenced by the 

fact that a multi-state peer review was held in early 2015 to evaluate Iowa's current HSIP structure and 

to present possible modifications to Iowa DOT management. The goal is to have a new structure 

established in time for FY 2018 project selections that considers a higher distribution of funds to local 

roads above the $2 million per year currently spent as well as a formula for distribution of funds to DOT 

districts.

This is a test.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

2

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 MAP-21 Reporting Guidance dated February 13, 2013 and consists 

of four sections: program structure, progress in implementing HSIP projects, 

progress in achieving safety performance targets, and assessment of the 

effectiveness of the improvements. 

Program Structure

Program Administration

How are Highway Safety Improvement Program funds allocated in a State? 

Central

District

Other

Describe how local roads are addressed as part of Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Iowa's HSIP addresses local roads in two ways: through Local Road Safety Plans and through the HSIPSecondary program.

Approximately $600,000 of HSIP funds were utilized this year to develop local road safety plans for 12 

counties spread throughout Iowa. These plans are being developed to address local safety issues within 

specific counties, and they address driver-related crashes and countermeasures in addition to traditional 

engineering countermeasures. From an engineering standpoint, the plans are intended to be proactive 

rather than reactive. Roadway intersections, curves, and segments are being evaluated for risk 
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

3

factors, and the plans will provide recommendations for systemic, low-cost safety treatments totaling at 

least $1 million per county. Ultimately, we hope to develop plans for all 99 counties in Iowa.

The HSIP-Secondary program was established in 2013 as a $2 million yearly set-aside out of Iowa's HSIP 

to address safety issues on the secondary (county-owned) roadway system. This program is focused on 

providing funding for projects that incorporate systemic, low-cost safety improvements, typically costing 

less than $10,000 per mile. Typical countermeasures include rumble strips, grooved-in pavement 

markings, improved signage, and guardrail updates. As word has gotten out about this new program, 

projects have been developed and completed at an increasing rate.

Identify which internal partners are involved with Highway Safety Improvement Program planning. 

Design

Planning

Maintenance

Operations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Other: Other-Districts

Briefly describe coordination with internal partners. 

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

consulted early in the HSIP planning process. HSIP projects are chosen that align with SHSP emphasis 

areas, typically intersections and lane departures. However, a large majority of funding goes toward 

addressing lane departure crashes through shoulder improvements, most commonly shoulder paving.

The districts provide input on which projects align with their goals, staffing, and other planned project 

timelines. In recent years, shoulder paving projects have been selected in order to complete specific 

highway corridors. However, this practice may be nearing an end as administration of the HSIP program 

shifts to be more data driven.

Identify which external partners are involved with Highway Safety Improvement Program planning. 
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

4

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Local Government Association

Other: Other-None.

Identify any program administration practices used to implement the HSIP that have changed since 

the last reporting period.

Multi-disciplinary HSIP steering committee

Other: Other-None.

Describe any other aspects of Highway Safety Improvement Program Administration on which you 

would like to elaborate.

None.

Program Methodology

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP. 

Median Barrier Intersection Safe Corridor

Horizontal Curve Bicycle Safety Rural State Highways

Skid Hazard Crash Data Red Light Running Prevention

Roadway Departure Low-Cost Spot Improvements Sign Replacement And 

Improvement
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

5

Local Safety Pedestrian Safety Right Angle Crash

Left Turn Crash Shoulder Improvement Segments

Other: 

Program: Local Safety

Date of Program Methodology: 2/26/2013

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other Other 

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

6

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Collaboration with county engineers

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

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

If no, describe the methodology used to identify local road projects as part of this program.

County engineers identify projects for potential funding based on their knowledge of their system's 

performance.

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

7

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

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C

Available funding 1

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Cost Effectiveness 2

What proportion of highway safety improvement program funds address systemic improvements? 

74

Highway safety improvement program funds are used to address which of the following systemic 

improvements?

Cable Median Barriers Rumble Strips

Traffic Control Device Rehabilitation Pavement/Shoulder Widening

Install/Improve Signing Install/Improve Pavement Marking and/or 

Delineation

Upgrade Guard Rails Clear Zone Improvements

Safety Edge Install/Improve Lighting
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

8

Add/Upgrade/Modify/Remove Traffic Signal Other 

What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

Engineering Study

Road Safety Assessment

Other: Other-SHSP

Identify any program methodology practices used to implement the HSIP that have changed since the 

last reporting period.

Highway Safety Manual

Road Safety audits

Systemic Approach

Other: Other-None

Describe any other aspects of the Highway Safety Improvement Program methodology on which you 

would like to elaborate. 
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

9

None.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

10

Progress in Implementing Projects

Funds Programmed

Reporting period for Highway Safety Improvement Program funding.

Calendar Year

State Fiscal Year

Federal Fiscal Year

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

Funding Category Programmed* Obligated

HSIP (Section 148) 35157900 96 % 25573863 87 %

HRRRP (SAFETEA-LU) 1500000 4 % 3660600 12 %

HRRR Special Rule

Penalty Transfer -

Section 154

Penalty Transfer –

Section 164

Incentive Grants - 

Section 163

Incentive Grants 

(Section 406)

0 0 % 211022 1 %

Other Federal-aid 

Funds (i.e. STP, NHPP)

State and Local Funds
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

11

Totals 36657900 100% 29445485 100%

How much funding is programmed to local (non-state owned and maintained) safety projects? 

$5,349,900.00

How much funding is obligated to local safety projects?

$5,641,986.00

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

$540,000.00

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

$750,937.00

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

period?

0 %
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

12

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

period? 

0 %

Discuss impediments to obligating Highway Safety Improvement Program funds and plans to 

overcome this 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 to improve the accuracy of cost estimates and 

to minimize time delays in order to obligate HSIP funds to the fullest extent.

Describe any other aspects of the general Highway Safety Improvement Program implementation 

progress on which you would like to elaborate.

None.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

13

General Listing of Projects

List each highway safety improvement project obligated during the reporting period. 

Project Improvemen

t Category 

Output HSIP 

Cost

Total 

Cost

Funding 

Category

Functional 

Classificatio

n

AADT Spee

d

Roadway 

Ownershi

p

Relationship to SHSP

Emphasis 

Area

Strategy

HRRRC054(90)--

5R-54

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

5.3 

Miles

654000 784892 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

800 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HRRRC070(60)-

-5R-70

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

1 Miles 500000 703236 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Minor 

Collector

1860 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HRRRC078(168

)--5R-78

Intersection 

geometry 

Auxiliary 

lanes - add 

left-turn lane

1 

Number

s

500000 126818

3

HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

970 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Turn lanes

HSIP-SC001(86)-Roadway 

Rumble strips 

6.4 

Miles

50000 59000 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

Rural Major 

Collector

1380 55 County 

Highway 

Lane 

Departure

Rumble 

strips
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

14

-6C-01 - edge or 

shoulder

-LU) Agency

HSIP-SC010(94)-

-6C-10

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

41.3 

Miles

325984.

5

362205 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC024(111

)--6C-24

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

4.9 

Miles

46800 421296 State 

and Local 

Funds

Rural Major 

Collector

510 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC025(97)-

-6C-25

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

57.1 

Miles

368199 506463 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC044(78)-

-6C-44

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

30 Miles 200700 223000 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC045(73)-

-6C-45

Lighting 

Intersection 

lighting

2 

Number

s

36842 40936 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

700 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Intersectio

n lighting
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

15

HSIP-SC045(74)-

-6C-45

Roadside 

Barriermetal

2 

Number

s

27000 47166 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

200 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Roadside 

safety

HSIP-SC050(107

)--6C-50

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

36.5 

Miles

231347 257052 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC053(77)-

-6C-53

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

5 Miles 261917 241180

9

State 

and Local 

Funds

Rural Major 

Collector

700 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIP-SC061(100

)--6C-61

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

49.8 

Miles

297065 330072 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC063(117

)--6C-63

Roadside 

Barrier end 

treatments 

(crash 

cushions, 

terminals)

13 

Number

s

246465 277000 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Roadside 

safety
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

16

HSIP-SC069(52)-

-6C-69

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

30 Miles 216577 240641 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC085(124

)--6C-85

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

57 Miles 176700 196333 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC093(75)-

-6C-93

Roadway 

delineation 

Roadway 

delineation -

other

44 Miles 247887 275430 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIP-SC095(62)-

-6C-95

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

0.6 

Miles

343345 381494 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIP-SC096(127

)--6C-96

Lighting 

Intersection 

lighting

2 

Number

s

48902 54335 HRRRP 

(SAFETEA

-LU)

Rural Major 

Collector

0 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Intersectio

n lighting

HSIPX014-Shoulder 

treatments 

8.3 126414 141300 HSIP 

(Section 

Rural 

Principal 

2100 55 State 

Highway 

Lane Shoulder 

treatment
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

17

4(64)--3L50Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

Miles 0 0 148) Arterial -

Other

Agency Departure s

HSIPX018-

2(113)--

3L-21

Intersection 

geometry 

Auxiliary 

lanes -

modify leftturn lane 

offset

1 

Number

s

651667 724074 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

2400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Turn lanes

HSIPX030-

2(157)--

3L-24

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

7.9 

Miles

153238

9

172837

9

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3780 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX030-

2(158)--

3L-24

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

25.3 

Miles

302507

5

336119

5

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3650 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX030-

2(159)--

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

8.7 

Miles

183690

0

204100

0

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

5400 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

18

3L-14 paved or 

other

Other

HSIPX034-

6(90)--3L68

Roadway 

Rumble strips 

- center

8.8 

Miles

180000 100836

6

State 

and Local 

Funds

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressway

s

3910 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Rumble 

strips

HSIPX060-

1(63)--3L75

Intersection 

traffic control 

Pavement 

markings -

add lane use 

symbols

8 

Number

s

133972 148858 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressway

s

3380 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Improved 

delineatio

n

HSIPX071-

4(50)--3L05

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

5.6 

Miles

702375 396307

9

Other 

Federalaid 

Funds 

(i.e. STP, 

NHPP)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

2720 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX071-

4(51)--3LShoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

10.4 

Miles

104421

9

594764

0

Other 

Federalaid 

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

2710 55 State 

Highway 

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

19

05 shoulder -

paved or 

other

Funds 

(i.e. STP, 

NHPP)

Other Agency s

HSIPX071-

7(55)--3L11

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

9.5 

Miles

122564

3

136182

5

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3280 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX071-

9(77)--3L30

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

4.9 

Miles

843532 937258 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

2030 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX086-

1(17)--3L30

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

7.7 

Miles

167649

2

186276

9

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

4266 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX218-

2(144)--

3L-44

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

12.1 

Miles

363582

0

404400

0

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

8800 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

20

other

HSIPX218-

7(230)--

3L-07

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

6.2 

Miles

236043

0

262900

0

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressway

s

1940

0

65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

IHSIPX029-

2(85)32--

08-65

Roadside 

Barrier -

cable

8.9 

Miles

959710 106634

5

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

2350

0

70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Cable 

barrier

IHSIPX035-

5(104)11

2--08-85

Roadside 

Barrier -

cable

12.7 

Miles

161565

8

179517

6

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

2740

0

70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Cable 

barrier

IHSIPX035-

6(127)14

7--08-40

Roadside 

Barrier -

cable

18 

Number

s

904455 100495

0

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

1500

0

70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Roadside 

safety

STP-SC001(83)-

-5E-01

Roadway 

Rumble strips 

- edge or 

shoulder

5.6 

Miles

52340 207049

3

Other 

Federalaid 

Funds 

(i.e. STP, 

Rural Major 

Collector

470 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Rumble 

strips
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

21

NHPP)

STP-SC047(52)-

-5E-47

Shoulder 

treatments 

Widen 

shoulder -

paved or 

other

12.8 

Miles

270000 366053

7

Other 

Federalaid 

Funds 

(i.e. STP, 

NHPP)

Rural Major 

Collector

480 55 County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Shoulder 

treatment

s

HSIPX000S(755)

--3L-00

Noninfrastructure 

Transportatio

n safety 

planning

12 

Number

s

539915 599905 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

0 0 Lane 

Departure

Local 

safety

SBIN(013) Noninfrastructure 

Educational 

efforts

1 

Number

s

4701 54392 Incentive 

Grants 

(Section 

406)

0 0 Education Deliver 

safety 

messages

SBIN(014) Noninfrastructure 

Educational 

efforts

1 

Number

s

27821 160826 Incentive 

Grants 

(Section 

406)

0 0 Education Deliver 

safety 

messages

SBIN(015) Noninfrastructure 

Educational 

efforts

1 

Number

s

175000 288392 Incentive 

Grants 

(Section 

406)

0 0 Education Deliver 

safety 

messages
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

22

BACS(004

)

Noninfrastructure 

Educational 

efforts

1 

Number

s

3500 244841 Incentive 

Grants 

(Section 

406)

0 0 Education Deliver 

safety 

messages
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

23

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets

Overview of General Safety Trends

Present data showing the general highway safety trends in the state for the past five years. 

Performance Measures* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of fatalities 411.6 395.8 379.6 360.6 350.6

Number of serious injuries 1794.2 1716.6 1646 1586.8 1565.6

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 1.31 1.26 1.21 1.15 1.11

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

5.71 5.48 5.25 5.04 4.94

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

24
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

25
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

26

To the maximum extent possible, present performance measure* data by functional classification and ownership. 

Year - 2014

Function 

Classification

Number of fatalities Number of serious injuries Fatality rate (per HMVMT) Serious injury rate (per HMVMT)

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

23.8 71.2 0.46 1.37

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER 

FREEWAYS AND 

EXPRESSWAYS

0 0 0 0

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

54.6 194.2 0.9 3.2

RURAL MINOR 

ARTERIAL

38.2 122.2 1.52 4.85

RURAL MINOR 

COLLECTOR

28.6 94.8 3.34 11.1

RURAL MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

64.8 230 2.03 7.22

RURAL LOCAL ROAD OR 

STREET

48.2 184.2 4.79 18.28

URBAN PRINCIPAL 10.6 45 0.41 1.73
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

27

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER 

FREEWAYS AND 

EXPRESSWAYS

0 0 0 0

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

25.4 160 0.71 4.45

URBAN MINOR 

ARTERIAL

20.6 182.4 0.6 5.28

URBAN MINOR 

COLLECTOR

0 0 0 0

URBAN MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

13 89.8 1.02 7.02

URBAN LOCAL ROAD 

OR STREET

22.2 189.2 0.9 7.69
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

28
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

29
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

30
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

31
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

32

Year - 2014

Roadway Ownership Number of 

fatalities

Number of serious 

injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

STATE HIGHWAY AGENCY 151 561.4 284.02 1055.65

COUNTY HIGHWAY AGENCY 123.2 362.6 838.29 2467.5

TOWN OR TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY AGENCY 0 0 0 0

CITY OF MUNICIPAL HIGHWAY AGENCY 41 339.4 210.62 1743.53

STATE PARK, FOREST, OR RESERVATION AGENCY 0 0 0 0

LOCAL PARK, FOREST OR RESERVATION AGENCY 0 0 0 0

OTHER STATE AGENCY 0 0 0 0

OTHER LOCAL AGENCY 0 0 0 0

PRIVATE (OTHER THAN RAILROAD) 0 0 0 0

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
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

33
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

34
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

35
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

36
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

37

Describe any other aspects of the general highway safety trends on which you would like to elaborate.

It appears that Iowa's HSIP investments are having a positive effect on the reduction of serious injuries 

and fatalities. However, it is noted that the fatality rate on locally owned roadways is significantly 

higher than for state-owned roadways. This is a disparity that we hope to address in future years 

through a possible increase in the percentage of funds that gets applied to the local system.

Application of Special Rules

Present the rate of traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and pedestrians over the 

age of 65. 

Older Driver

Performance Measures

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Fatality rate (per 

capita)

0.59 0.55 0.53 0.51 0.49

Serious injury rate 

(per capita)

1.49 1.45 1.36 1.32 1.31

Fatality and serious 

injury rate (per capita)

2.07 2 1.89 1.83 1.8

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.

The number of older person fatalities and serious injuries in Iowa was summed for each year from 2005 

to 2013. For each year, this sum was divided by the number of older persons per 1000 population in the 

State of Iowa, as published by FHWA, to determine a yearly rate.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

38

Does the older driver special rule apply to your state? 

No
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

39

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program 

Evaluation)

What indicators of success can you use to demonstrate effectiveness and success in the Highway 

Safety Improvement Program?

None

Benefit/cost

Policy change

Other: Other-Crash data

What significant programmatic changes have occurred since the last reporting period? 

Shift Focus to Fatalities and Serious Injuries

Include Local Roads in Highway Safety Improvement Program

Organizational Changes

None

Other: 

Briefly describe significant program changes that have occurred since the last reporting period. 

None.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

40

SHSP Emphasis Areas

For each SHSP emphasis area that relates to the HSIP, present trends in emphasis area performance measures. 

Year - 2014

HSIP-related SHSP 

Emphasis Areas

Target Crash 

Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate 

(per HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Lane Departure All 211.8 616 242.26 704.62 0 0 0

Intersections Intersections 71.6 410.2 81.92 469.22 0 0 0
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

41
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

42
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

43
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

44
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

45

Groups of similar project types

Present the overall effectiveness of groups of similar types of projects.

Year - 2014

HSIP Subprogram TypesTarget 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Local Safety All 164.2 702 480.64 2054.82 0 0 0
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

46
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

47
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

48
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

49
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

50

Systemic Treatments

Present the overall effectiveness of systemic treatments.

Year - 2014

Systemic 

improvement

Target 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Cable Median 

Barriers

Cross 

median

9.2 11.4 45.85 56.6 0 0 0
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

51
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

52
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

53
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

54
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

55

Describe any other aspects of the overall Highway Safety Improvement Program effectiveness on 

which you would like to elaborate. 

None.
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

56

Project Evaluation

Provide project evaluation data for completed projects (optional). 

Location Functional 

Class

Improvement 

Category

Improvement 

Type

BefFatalBefSerious 

Injury

Bef-All 

Injuries

BefPDOBefTotalAftFatalAftSerious 

Injury

Aft-All 

Injuries

AftPDOAftTotalEvaluation 

Results 

(Benefit/ 

Cost Ratio)
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

57

Optional Attachments

Sections Files Attached
2015 Iowa Highway Safety Improvement Program

58

Glossary

5 year rolling average means the average of five individual, 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. 

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.