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MISSISSIPPI 

2020 ANNUAL REPORT 
2020 Mississippi 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 ...........................................................................................................................................6

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

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

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

Project Implementation .......................................................................................................................12

Funds Programmed .........................................................................................................................12

General Listing of Projects ..............................................................................................................14

Safety Performance ............................................................................................................................18

General Highway Safety Trends ......................................................................................................18

Safety Performance Targets............................................................................................................25

Applicability of Special Rules...........................................................................................................27

Evaluation ...........................................................................................................................................28

Program Effectiveness ....................................................................................................................28

Effectiveness of Groupings or Similar Types of Improvements .......................................................29

Project Effectiveness .......................................................................................................................33

Compliance Assessment ....................................................................................................................34

Optional Attachments ..........................................................................................................................37

Glossary ..............................................................................................................................................38
2020 Mississippi 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.”
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Executive Summary

Introduction

The State of Mississippi's Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), operating out of the Highway and 

Rail Safety Division (HRSD) within the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), has completed 

another year of prioritizing and programming projects that support the state's most recent Strategic Highway 

Safety Plan (SHSP). Over the last 12 months, the Mississippi HSIP has made great strides in supporting the 

goal of reducing fatal and serious injury crashes by programming safety projects that are both aggressive in 

reducing targeted crash types and innovative in their approach. These advancements of the last year include, 

but are not limited to, the following highlights: 

Updated State Crash Report Form

Over the last year, Mississippi - through the Department of Public Safety - completed the process of updating 

the Mississippi Uniform Crash Report form. This process, which MDOT/HSIP personnel were a part of, will 

allow for more accurate crash reporting, leading to better data for analysis and use in programming projects to 

reduce injury crashes on our roadways. The update to the crash report form allowed Mississippi to become 

compliant with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s Model Minimum Uniform Crash 

Criteria (MMUCC) 4th edition, and will also put Mississippi in compliance with the forthcoming MMUCC 5th 

edition requirements, as well.

Suspected Serious Injury Definition to meet MMUCC 4th Edition Compliance

As a part of the crash report form update process, Mississippi updated its definition for a serious injury in order 

to be compliant with NHTSA's MMUCC 4th edition. Already, this update is having an effect - as detailed in 

other parts of this report - as the number of reported serious injuries have increased significantly. MDOT 

continues to analyze and process the trends related to this change in order to make the necessary adjustments 

to the program and reduce these serious injury crashes. 

First Local Road Safety Plan 

In the past year, Mississippi began work on its first Local Road Safety Plan, one of the Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA)'s proven safety countermeasures. The plan, which is focused on the gulf coast 

counties of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson, will involve stakeholders from across the three counties and their 

municipalities to review data trends and come up with a list of viable solutions across the 4E's - Education, 

EMS, Enforcement, and Engineering. Once completed, the plan will also include a list of priority locations 

and/or crash types/risk factors, providing a clear road map for the local road owners to program meaningful 

safety projects in the three counties. The state is also utilizing FHWA's State Transportation Innovation Council 

(STIC) Incentive Funds to develop additional Local Road Safety Plans which will be kicked off in the coming 

year. 

Systemic Safety

MDOT has for years prioritized the use of systemic safety improvements such as Safety Edge and Rumble 

Stripe/Strips as a part of larger construction and mobility projects. More recently, the HSIP has worked to 

obligate more of its own funding towards supporting the installation of systemic measures such as cable 

barrier, edge line delineation enhancements (rumble stripe/strip, audible thermoplastic stripe, etc.), shoulder 

widening, and systemic access management. 

Over the past year, Mississippi has also increased its focus on prioritizing improvements on the shoulder and 

beyond into the clear zone. With lane departure crashes presenting an ongoing concern in the state, 

Mississippi is moving more of its project focus towards those routes with higher percentages of lane departure 

crashes. For those locations, MDOT reviews for the presence of edge line delineation (rumble stripe, audible 

thermoplastic stripe), shoulder width and slope, and obstructions in the clear zone. The focus has been to 

make improvements along the entire route where narrow shoulders or clear zone hazards exist and where 

crash history shows patterns of vehicles leaving their lane at a higher than normal rate. 
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A Culture of Safety

While MDOT has worked to address safety through quantifiable efforts such as safety projects, it has also 

continued its work over the past year to further institute a culture of safety across the entire department. The 

last year has seen MDOT Districts and its supporting Division personnel progress in how they give 

consideration to innovative countermeasures, as well as the mindset for safety in everyday maintenance and 

construction activities. More and more, the state is seeing MDOT employees looking to incorporate needed 

safety improvements as a part of all MDOT projects, whether they are safety funded or not. The following 

report for the state of Mississippi will show how MDOT has programmed its HSIP funds to continue improving 

safety across the state, as well as how the completed projects have been performing to support those efforts. 

We feel strongly that not all safety successes in the state will necessarily be captured in the report, but we 

know that in the last year the MDOT has worked tirelessly department-wide to ensure that Mississippi's 

roadways become safer for our fellow drivers than they were the year before.
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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 Highway Safety Improvement Program staff includes full-time engineers as well as supporting data 

analysts and administrative support staff located in MDOT's Highway and Rail Safety Division. On a day-to-day 

basis, the HSIP staff works hand-in-hand with other MDOT Divisions in aiding the MDOT Districts towards 

advancing safety on Mississippi Highways. These regular efforts include data analysis, countermeasure 

discussion and coordination, as well as the administration of regular safety meetings to keep in contact with the 

Districts regarding safety matters and concerns.

One of the primary initiatives that the Mississippi HSIP staff takes on routinely throughout the year is holding 

regular safety meetings with its Districts. These meetings are an informal time for HSIP staff to go out into the 

Districts and discuss locations of concern that are revealed through data analysis, as well as locations that the 

Districts are fielding calls about from the public, local law enforcement, emergency responders, community 

leaders, and elected officials. These meetings have proven invaluable in establishing a rapport between 

District staff and the HSIP staff, which has aided in the identification of locations of need that might not have 

been found as quickly by data analysis alone. The HSIP has also seen these relationships promote a level of 

trust in the selection of alternative intersection countermeasures, as well as more progressive and non-typical 

countermeasures that are being implemented across the United States.

The second initiative that directly impacts HSIP projects in Mississippi is the Safety Countermeasure Selection 

Team meetings. These meetings were established by internal policy in the last several years to ensure that 

applicable MDOT Divisions (Roadway Design Division, Right of Way Division, Traffic Engineering Division, 

Construction Division, Environmental Division, Planning Division, etc.) and District personnel are extensively 

involved in the countermeasure selection process for HSIP projects. Before any potential location or set of 

locations are pursued for HSIP funding, any and all possible countermeasures are discussed with this group in 

a formalized meeting format. Site visits are conducted as a part of the meeting, and the entire process -

including supporting data, location information, countermeasure recommendations, and a benefit to cost 

analysis - is recorded and summarized in report format. This formal report is then submitted for review and 

approval by meeting attendees as well as senior MDOT Officials. This ensures that HSIP projects in the state 

of Mississippi are fully vetted by MDOT staff, and that MDOT utilizes its HSIP funds in the most prudent 

manner possible.

Once projects are selected, programmed, and constructed using HSIP funds, the MDOT ensures that their 

performance is tracked and reported as a part of the HSIP Reporting process. The Mississippi HSIP typically 

conducts a five year before and after data analysis of each project in order to provide a healthy set of data to 

determine the performance of the project's countermeasure(s). In many cases, the state also continues to track 
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projects beyond the five year window to ensure the countermeasure still works and/or other changes are not 

needed beyond the initial project.

Where is HSIP staff located within the State DOT? 

 Operations

In late 2019, MDOT reorganized its Divisions and Assistant Chief Engineers. As a part of this, the Highway and 

Rail Safety Division, which operates the state's HSIP, was placed within Operations. This branch also houses 

Planning Division, Research Division, and Traffic Engineering Division. 

How are HSIP funds allocated in a State? 

• Other-Central Office 

MDOT's Highway and Rail Safety Division works with each of the six Construction and Maintenance Districts to 

identify problematic locations, determine the appropriate countermeasures, and plan/program subsequent 

projects to address these. 

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

As a part of Mississippi's statewide safety efforts, local roads are given consideration for Highway Safety 

Improvement Program funding during each federal fiscal year. Potential projects are scrutinized under the 

same set of criteria set forth for state highway safety projects. All HSIP local road safety projects conducted by 

the Mississippi Department of Transportation are administered through the Circuit Rider Program. 

The Circuit Rider program, established in 2012, provides training as well as technical assistance to local road 

administrators and staff. As a part of the technical assistance portion of the program, Circuit Riders (along with 

MDOT Highway and Rail Safety Division personnel) review crash data for local roads and conduct site visits 

with local government authorities to offer countermeasure identification assistance. Solutions offered by Circuit 

Riders on these site visits can either be resolved by the local road authority, or can be treated under several 

available Circuit Rider initiatives. Projects identified in need of additional assistance through the Circuit Rider 

program can be treated using one of the following: 

1. Sign Project: At no cost to the local authority, MDOT provides warning and advisory signage to a local 

government agency where crash trends - systemic or "hot spot" in nature - have been identified, and where 

signs and/or low-cost countermeasures are deemed an appropriate corrective measure. The local authority 

may be asked to provide an in-kind service as part of the agreement, such as tree trimming within the Right-ofWay; otherwise, the signs are free of charge to the county or municipality. During the 2019 State Fiscal Year 

(July '19 - June '20), MDOT spent $10,673 of state funds on this program providing over 200 signs and 

reflective sign post delineators to locals. Total to date, MDOT has given away (includes ongoing/pending 

projects) over 5,800 signs and reflective sign post delineators to locals. 

2. Design Project: Should a location or set of locations within a county, municipality or other local governing 

body's jurisdiction be deemed eligible by MDOT for HSIP funding, those projects are pursued as a part of the 

statewide HSIP program. If selected for funding, projects are designed and constructed through the state's 

Local Public Agency (LPA) Program. To date, Circuit Rider projects have mostly involved low cost mitigation 

strategies including re-signing and re-striping of routes, the installation of reflective sign post delineators, 

raised pavement marker installation, etc.; however, more robust treatments will be given consideration for 

funding through the program as crash data dictates. There is no application deadline currently for local 

projects; projects are considered throughout the entire fiscal year. All local road safety projects are considered 
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alongside state highway safety projects. MDOT continues to work with local roadway officials towards 

developing quality local road safety projects. 

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

Bureaus, Divisions) are involved with HSIP planning. 

• Design 

• Districts/Regions 

• Local Aid Programs Office/Division 

• Maintenance 

• Operations 

• Planning 

• Traffic Engineering/Safety 

• Other-Environmental 

Describe coordination with internal partners. 

Under current internal policy, applicable MDOT Divisions (District personnel, Roadway Design Division, Traffic 

Engineering Division, Environmental Division, Right of Way Division, Planning Division, etc.) are extensively 

involved in the countermeasure selection process. Before any potential location or set of locations are pursued 

for HSIP funding, any and all possible countermeasures are discussed with this group in a meeting format. Site 

visits are conducted as a part of the meeting, and the entire process - including supporting data, location 

information, countermeasure recommendations, etc. - is recorded in report format and approved by meeting 

attendees as well as MDOT leadership. This ensures that all HSIP projects in the state of Mississippi are fully 

vetted by the MDOT staff, and that MDOT utilizes its HSIP funds in the most prudent manner possible. 

MDOT's HSIP staff also maintains a three year plan of active and ongoing HSIP projects and the spending 

anticipated to occur with each. This plan, which is reviewed and approved by FHWA - Mississippi Division at 

the beginning of each federal fiscal year, outlines where Mississippi intends to spend all of its HSIP dollars 

across the state. The plan lists project locations, project details, applicable approvals achieved or in process, 

anticipated funding - amounts and types (PE, Rights-of-Way, Construction, etc.) - and other details. As new 

projects arise or ongoing projects have unforeseen changes during the fiscal year, MDOT and FHWA work to 

review and revise the plan as necessary. This list is another effort between the state and federal partners in 

Mississippi that help us accurately and effectively track and spend safety dollars in the state. 

Identify which external partners are involved with HSIP planning. 

• FHWA 

• Law Enforcement Agency 

• Local Government Agency 

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

Describe coordination with external partners. 

Federal Highway Administration - Mississippi Division (MS Division) is an active and helpful partner in program 

planning for the HSIP here in the state. MDOT coordinates with the MS Division for development, review and 

approval of the three-year HSIP project planning and programming list on an annual basis. The MS Division's 

Area Transportation Engineers and Safety Engineer are also involved in all quarterly HSIP meetings with 

MDOT Districts, as well as project planning and development meetings. 
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Other external partners involved in the HSIP project planning process are local government agencies, MPOs, 

and MDOT's Local Public Agency (LPA) Division, who is responsible for managing many federally funded 

projects on local roadways within the State of Mississippi. MDOT coordinates with these partners when the 

HSIP is developing a potential Safety Circuit Rider project within the local agency's jurisdiction. 

Program Methodology 

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP. 

• HSIP (no subprograms) 

In addition to the HSIP, Mississippi safety staff also operate the "Survive Your Drive" Safety Education 

Program. The “Survive Your Drive” Safety Education Program raises awareness of highway traffic safety 

issues faced by Mississippi motorists, including occupant protection/seat belt use, impaired driving and 

distracted driving. Safety professionals provide education and outreach at schools and community events 

across the state. Through presentations and simulator demonstrations, the public is educated with the driving 

knowledge and skills to make Mississippi highways safe. The program annually reaches more than 15,000 

Mississippi residents through these presentations and demonstrations. The program also provides the public 

with Mississippi Department of Education-approved and common core-aligned safety education lesson plans 

for use in middle and high school classrooms 

Program: HSIP (no subprograms)

Date of Program Methodology:8/3/2015

What is the justification for this program? 

• Addresses SHSP priority or emphasis area

• FHWA focused approach to safety

• Other-Addresses state's priority of advancing safety 

What is the funding approach for this program? 

Funding set-aside

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway 

• All crashes • Traffic

• Volume

• Median width

• Horizontal curvature

• Roadside features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

• Crash frequency

• Crash rate

• Excess proportions of specific crash types

• Relative severity index
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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?

• 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

Ranking based on B/C:1

Available funding:2

Cost Effectiveness:3

What percentage of HSIP funds address systemic improvements? 

 14

 HSIP funds are used to address which of the following systemic 

improvements? 

• Cable Median Barriers 

• Clear Zone Improvements 

• Horizontal curve signs 

• Install/Improve Pavement Marking and/or Delineation 

• Install/Improve Signing 

• Pavement/Shoulder Widening 

• Rumble Strips 

• Safety Edge 

• Upgrade Guard Rails 

Mississippi's HSIP pays for systemic pavement markings when it's either an improvement above existing 

conditions (i.e. going from a 4" stripe to a 6", going from 6" stripe to 6" audible thermo stripe) or when it 

complements another countermeasure (i.e. enhanced intersection warning signage, new rumble stripe 

installation, etc.) 

What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

• Crash data analysis 

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

• Engineering Study 

• Road Safety Assessment 
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• SHSP/Local road safety plan 

• Stakeholder input

• Other-Input from internal partners

Does the State HSIP consider connected vehicles and ITS technologies? 

Yes 

Describe how the State HSIP considers connected vehicles and ITS technologies. 

Mississippi HSIP projects primarily consider ITS elements when they are a complimentary component of a 

larger project, such as traffic cameras at a new or improved signal, fiber interconnectivity between signals, or 

other measures to provide advanced warning to motorists. 

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. 

Currently, the Mississippi HSIP uses various principles that are cited in the Highway Safety Manual (HSM), 

though the manual is not used extensively in day to day analysis and decision-making. We are currently 

developing a crash data analysis system that will wholly incorporate the principles and practices outlined in the 

HSM, and will fully integrate them into how Mississippi evaluates locations across the state, and potential 

projects. 

The state is also currently working through the process of calibrating multiple Safety Performance Functions 

(SPFs) for Mississippi crash data in hopes that those can be used once the new crash data analysis system is 

online.
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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) $29,747,547 $29,747,547 100%

HRRR Special Rule (23 

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

$218,719 $218,719 100%

Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 

154)

$5,831,247 $5,831,247 100%

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 $3,953,199 $3,953,199 100%

HSIP Apportionment 

Carryover (2019 

rescission)

$8,951,611 $8,951,611 100%

OP MOT VEH/INTOX 

STEA03 (H080)

$1,072,245 $1,072,245 100%

OP MOT VEH/INTOXTEA21 (Q080)

$399,851 $399,851 100%

Totals $50,174,419 $50,174,419 100%

- Mississippi is reporting a carryover of $8,951,611 from FFY 2019. These remaining funds were reserved in 

anticipation of the obligation authority rescission for that year. 

- Mississippi is reporting $1,472,095 in H080/Q080 funds remaining on the books that are to be obligated this 

FFY. 

- Mississippi is reporting $218,719 in HRRR funds remaining on the books that are to be obligated this FFY. 

- In previous reports, Mississippi has reported RHCP funds here. This was done in error, as all RHCP funds in 

the state are reserved for Rail Crossing purposes only and not Highway Safety purposes.

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

safety projects?

1%
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How much funding is obligated to local or tribal safety projects?

1%

In the past federal fiscal year, MDOT - working with applicable partners locally and with FHWA - has begun PE 

work on two local road safety projects. These projects are anticipated to have a completed design and be 

under construction in the upcoming fiscal year. The state has also begun work on its first Local Road Safety 

Plan, and is in the process of starting two more Local Road Safety Plans across the state utilizing FHWA STIC 

incentive funding awarded to the state.

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

1%

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

1%

Mississippi is reporting spending on two non-infrastructure projects in the past fiscal year - the ongoing update 

to the MDOT's crash analysis tool (SAMS) as well as the previously-mentioned Local Road Safety Plan. As 

mentioned in Question 24, the state is also in the early stages of starting two more Local Road Safety Plans 

utilizing FHWA STIC incentive funding awarded to the state this year.

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.

There are no impediments.
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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

106961 - Circuit 

Rider Sign 

Donation/Brite 

Stick Program

Roadway signs 

and traffic 

control

Roadway signs 

and traffic control 

- other

1 Statewide $0 $10673.33 State and 

Local Funds

Multiple/Varies Multiple/Varies 0 County and 

Municipality

Spot Roadway 

Departure, 

Intersections

Section 4.1 -

Strategy 4, 

Section 4.2 -

Strategy 3

107141 -

District 1 

Districtwide 

Intersection 

Improvement 

Project

Intersection 

traffic control

Systemic 

improvements -

stop-controlled

118 Intersections $-605316 $-672573 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Multiple/Varies Multiple/Varies 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Intersections Section 4.1 -

Strategy 4

106268 - US 61 

at Eagle's Nest 

Road

Intersection 

geometry

Intersection 

geometrics -

modify skew 

angle

1 Intersections $-668587 $-742874 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther8,655 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 -

Strategy 3

104911 - US 51 

at Star Landing 

Road

Intersection 

traffic control

Intersection 

traffic control -

other

1 Intersections $-81901 $-91001 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther10,884 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 -

Strategy 1

106777 - US 49 

at MS 42

Intersection 

traffic control

Intersection 

traffic control -

other

1 Intersections $-1184228 $-1315809 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther26,650 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 -

Strategy 1

106863 - MS 

12, from Old 

Highway 12 to 

Sta 17+47

Access 

management

Raised island -

install new

2.6 Miles $-663527 $-737252 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther23,650 45 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 -

Strategy 6

106863 - MS 

12, from Sta 

17+47 to 

Russell Street

Access 

management

Raised island -

install new

1.2 Miles $-145430 $-161589 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther23,650 45 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 -

Strategy 6

108142 - I-22 

WB curve at 

Okannatie 

Creek

Roadway 

delineation

Roadway 

delineation -

other

1 Curves $180000 $200000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate25,000 70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 -

Strategy 8

108459 - MS 12 

from MS 50 to 

the Alabama 

State Line

Shoulder 

treatments

Widen shoulder -

paved or other

15.5 Miles $135000 $150000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 3,900 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 -

Strategy 1

108459 - MS 69 

from Fabritek 

Rd to the 

Alabama State 

Line

Roadway 

delineation

Longitudinal 

pavement 

markings - new

10 Miles $135000 $150000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 3,250 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 -

Strategy 1
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

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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

106858 - MS 9 

at MS 341

Intersection 

geometry

Auxiliary lanes - 

add auxiliary 

through lane

1 Intersections $1137443 $1263826 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 7,550 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 3

107520 - US 

278 at MS 345 

and Rocky Ford 

Road/County 

Road 833

Access 

management

Median 

crossover - 

directional 

crossover

2 Intersections $3641481 $4046090 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther22,472 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 1

106990 - US 45 

at Ripley Road

Intersection 

traffic control

Modify traffic 

signal - modify 

signal mounting 

(spanwire to mast 

arm)

1 Intersections $5786 $6429 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther12,500 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 2

106997 - I-55 fr 

1 mi S of MS 14 

to the Carroll 

CL

Roadside Barrier - cable 21 Miles $1546960 $1718844 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate14,790 70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 6

106997 - I-55 fr 

1 mi S of 

Martinsville to 1 

mi N of MS 27

Roadside Barrier - cable 8.1 Miles $1546960 $1718844 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate25,510 70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 6

106997 - I-55 fr 

Holmes CL to 

1.5 mi N of MS 

35

Roadside Barrier - cable 19.6 Miles $1546960 $1718844 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialInterstate14,000 70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 6

108174 - US 61 

at Griffen 

Road/Stoneville 

Road/Old 

Highway 61

Advanced 

technology and 

ITS

Dynamic 

message signs

1 Intersections $31500 $35000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther6,500 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 4

108425 - US 61 

at MS 553

Access 

management

Median 

crossover - 

directional 

crossover

1 Intersections $239647 $266274 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther14,700 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 1

107573 - US 82 

and MS 1 in 

Greenville

Intersection 

traffic control

Systemic 

improvements - 

signal-controlled

24 Intersections $5705800 $6339778 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther12,500 35 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 2

108488 - I-110 

SB at US 90 

WB

Roadway Pavement 

surface - high 

friction surface

1 Curves $36000 $40000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialInterstate4,800 35 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 8

108426 - MS 13 

from Lumberton 

to Marion 

County

Roadway Roadway 

widening - curve 

14.5 Miles $22500 $25000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 1,550 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 3
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 16 of 38

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

102186 - MS 43 

between 

Picayune and 

Henleyfield

Alignment Horizontal curve 

realignment

3 Curves $1424569 $1582854 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 3,570 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 4

107901 - MS 53 

from S of 

Cuevas Gravel 

Pit Road to I-59

Roadway Rumble strips - 

center

7.5 Miles $1789492 $1988324 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Minor Arterial 2,950 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 2

107464 - US 49 

fr the Stone CL 

to South Gate 

Rd

Shoulder 

treatments

Widen shoulder - 

paved or other

19.9 Miles $16488833 $18320926 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther12,300 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 5

106994 - US 49 

from Peps Point 

Road to US 98

Intersection 

traffic control

Systemic 

improvements - 

signal-controlled

13 Intersections $1223011 $1358901 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther23,900 45 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 2

107249 - US 84 

at Reservoir 

Road/Magnolia 

Hill Road

Intersection 

traffic control

Intersection 

traffic control - 

other

1 Intersections $476523 $529470 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther7,311 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 1

107249 - US 84 

at MS 184 

(west of 

Waynesboro)

Access 

management

Change in 

access - close or 

restrict existing 

access

1 Intersections $476523 $529470 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther9,850 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 3

106778 - US 90 

from 

Pascagoula 

Street to 

Chevron Drive

Intersection 

traffic control

Systemic 

improvements - 

signal-controlled

4.5 Miles $6149146 $6832384 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Urban Principal ArterialOther28,960 45 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 2

108247 - US 49 

at MS 35

Intersection 

traffic control

Intersection 

traffic control - 

other

1 Intersections $135000 $150000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther18,980 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 2

107181 - US 49 

SB Fr Main St in 

Mt. Olive to 

Walter Lott Rd. 

in Seminary

Shoulder 

treatments

Widen shoulder - 

paved or other

24.2 Miles $1919108 $2132342 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther11,050 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 5

107181 - US 49 

Covington 

County 

Intersection 

Improvements

Intersection 

geometry

Intersection 

geometry - other

3 Intersections $1127229 $1252477 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther22,900 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 3

107253 

(307400) - US 

84 at MS 556

Roadway Superelevation / 

cross slope

0.5 Miles $153000 $170000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther4,900 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 4
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 17 of 38

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

106699 - US 84 

at Auburn Road

Intersection 

traffic control

Intersection 

traffic control - 

other

1 Intersections $1716554 $1907282 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Rural Principal ArterialOther9,840 65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Spot Intersections Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 1

108048 - 

Coastal County 

Strategic 

Highway Safety 

Plan

Noninfrastructure Transportation 

safety planning

1 Three 

Counties

$180000 $200000 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Multiple/Varies Multiple/Varies 0 County 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Roadway 

Departure, 

Intersections

Section 4.1 - 

Strategy 7, 

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 9

108122 - 

Lauderdale 

County Safety 

Circuit Rider 

Project

Roadway signs 

and traffic 

control

Curve-related 

warning signs 

and flashers

8 Locations $73048 $81164 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

Multiple/Varies Multiple/Varies 0 County 

Highway 

Agency

Systemic Lane 

Departure

Section 4.2 - 

Strategy 3

106856 - SAMS 

Version 2

Noninfrastructure Data/traffic 

records

1 Crash 

Analysis 

Program

$471666 $524073 HSIP (23 

U.S.C. 148)

N/A N/A 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

Upgrades to 

crash 

analysis 

system 

necessary to 

facility HSIP 

program 

effectively

Data This project 

supports all 

relevant 

SHSP 

strategies

- Funding values as shown above include both obligated expenditures so far this year for HSIP projects, as well as anticipated obligations for the remainder of this federal fiscal year (FFY). This information represents the best available 

data at this time for how Mississippi's HSIP funds are to be obligated this FFY.

- Any negative values provided for funding represent the return of funds to the program for one of the following reasons: 

> A decreased project cost based on received bids 

> Funds released at a project's close 

> Funds released due to project not moving forward within the HSIP 

- Any "AADT" or "Speed" fields either with a 0 or that appear blank above are to be considered N/A - Not Applicable due to multiple routes or locations, or being non-infrastructure projects 

- Some projects listed above as being HSIP (23 U.S.C 148) funded may also be partially funded with Penalty Funds (23 U.S.C. 154).
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 18 of 38

Safety Performance

General Highway Safety Trends

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

years.

PERFORMANCE 

MEASURES 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Fatalities 630 582 613 607 677 687 685 664 646

Serious Injuries 768 738 688 633 637 781 686 587 1,618

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

1.620 1.510 1.580 1.540 1.700 1.690 1.680 1.630 1.570

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

1.980 1.910 1.780 1.600 1.600 1.920 1.680 1.440 3.940

Number non-motorized 

fatalities

60 58 60 68 75 72 80 96 78

Number of nonmotorized serious 

injuries

36 49 46 44 41 58 59 50 109
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 19 of 38

520

540

560

580

600

620

640

660

680

700

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Annual Fatalities

Fatalities 5 Year Rolling Avg.

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Annual Serious Injuries

Serious Injuries 5 Year Rolling Avg.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 20 of 38

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.75

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Fatality rate (per HMVMT)

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 5 Year Rolling Avg.

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT)

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT) 5 Year Rolling Avg.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 21 of 38

- The 2019 reported traffic fatalities for the state of Mississippi is an accurate representation of what we in the 

Mississippi HSIP anticipate the number to be based upon our own analyses as well as conversations with the 

state's FARS Analyst, the Department of Public Safety, and other applicable officials within the state. That 

number is not yet certified, though, and therefore may be subject to change before final admission into the 

FARS Public Database. This same note applies to the reported number of non-motorized fatalities for 2019. 

- Serious Injuries are reported using Mississippi's Safety Analysis Management System (SAMS). 

- Serious Injuries recorded in 2019 have experienced a significant increase from annual recorded Serious 

Injuries as shown in the previous 8 years included in the above table. This is due to the state crash reporting 

form being changed in September of 2019, which included the state adopting a MMUCC 4th edition-compliant 

definition of suspected serious injury. The previous Injury A was defined as: 

"Life Threatening - Injuries where there is a high probability of the loss of life". Compare that with the new 

definition, which is:

"Suspected serious injury: A suspected serious injury is any injury other than fatal which results in one or more 

of the following: • Severe laceration resulting in exposure of underlying tissues/muscle/organs or resulting in 

significant loss of blood • Broken or distorted extremity (arm or leg) • Crush injuries • Suspected skull, chest or 

abdominal injury other than bruises or minor lacerations • Significant burns (second and third degree burns 

over 10% or more of the body) • Unconsciousness when taken from the crash scene • Paralysis" 

These definitions are clearly different, with the updated definition substantially increasing the type and total 

number of injuries that were not captured in previous Injury A crashes. Because specific information on injury 

types is not collected on the crash form, the state is also unable to extrapolate the data to do a true 

comparison of serious injury crashes: old definition versus new. Early data analysis suggests that Serious 

Injuries will increase by a multiple of 5 to 7 times previously-reported Life Threatening injury figures. The new 

serious injury definition went into effect September 2019 which only covered the last four months of 2019. 

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Non Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries

Fatalities Serious Injuries 5 Year Rolling Avg.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 22 of 38

Based on the increase in serious injury crashes that occurred over that four month span, we anticipate an even 

greater increase forthcoming in 2020.

Describe fatality data source.

FARS

- Mississippi relies wholly on FARS data for fatal crashes when available; however, we do use data from our 

Safety Analysis Management System (SAMS) as an interim measure when FARS data is not available and/or 

finalized when needed for analysis.

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

ownership.

Year 2019

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

50 45 1.1 0.97

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - Other 

Freeways and 

Expressways

0 0 0 0

Rural Principal 

Arterial (RPA) - Other

105.4 120.8 2.03 2.31

Rural Minor Arterial 112 103.8 3.17 2.93

Rural Minor Collector 12.4 22.2 3.01 5.4

Rural Major Collector 127.2 142.2 3.17 3.55

Rural Local Road or 

Street

49.6 78.8 0.89 1.4

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) -

Interstate

37.4 36.8 0.89 0.87

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - Other 

Freeways and 

Expressways

4 5.4 0.82 1.08

Urban Principal 

Arterial (UPA) - Other

76.6 110.4 1.49 2.14

Urban Minor Arterial 31.4 52 1.21 2

Urban Minor Collector 24 31.8 1.24 1.65

Urban Major Collector 0
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 23 of 38

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 Local Road or 

Street

18 40.4 0.6 1.44
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 24 of 38

Year 2018

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

447.6 382.2 1.82 1.56

County Highway 

Agency

137.6 168.4 1.56 1.91

Town or Township 

Highway Agency

City of Municipal 

Highway Agency

55.8 68.4 0.83 1.02

City or Municipal 

Highway Agency

State Park, Forest, or 

Reservation Agency

Local Park, Forest or 

Reservation Agency

Other State Agency

Other Local Agency

Private (Other than 

Railroad)

8.6 8

Railroad

State Toll Authority

Local Toll Authority

Other Public 

Instrumentality (e.g. 

Airport, School, 

University)

Indian Tribe Nation

- Due to changes in the state crash report form over the last year, Mississippi was unable to provide ownership 

information for 2019. The latest data provided for ownership is from 2018. Mississippi anticipates being able to 

provide this data again starting with the 2021 report.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 25 of 38

Safety Performance Targets

Safety Performance Targets

Calendar Year 2021 Targets *

Number of Fatalities:685.4

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

MDOT's performance target for number of fatalities is based on a five year rolling average developed using 11 

years' (2009-2019) worth of historical crash data. Prediction models are developed using Excel's 

FORECAST.ETS exponential triple smoothing formula. While we always maintain a target of zero fatalities, 

historical trends in the state are more in line with what is presented as the "target" for the state.

Number of Serious Injuries:2178.4

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

MDOT's performance target for number of serious injuries is based on a five year rolling average developed 

using 11 years' (2009-2019) worth of historical crash data. Prediction models are developed using Excel's 

FORECAST.ETS exponential triple smoothing formula. Mississippi's performance target submitted for 2021 is 

substantially higher than it has been in previous years. This is due to a change in 2019 to how the state defines 

serious injury. An update was made in order to meet national standards and requirements for MMUCC 4th

edition. With this change in place, Mississippi is already seeing a significant rise in reported serious injuries, 

and anticipates that number to grow in 2020. Though we maintain a true target of lowering serious injuries to 

zero, the state must set its target in line with historical trends - including accounting for the recent rise due to 

the definition change.

Fatality Rate:1.690

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

MDOT's performance target for number of fatalities is based on a five year rolling average developed using 11 

years' (2009-2019) worth of historical crash data. The volumes used to calculate the rates are provided by 

MDOT's Planning Division.

Serious Injury Rate:5.410

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

MDOT's performance target for number of serious injuries is based on a five year rolling average developed 

using 11 years' (2009-2019) worth of historical crash data. The volumes used to calculate the rates are 

provided by MDOT's Planning Division.

Total Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries:181.7

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

MDOT's performance target for number of non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries is based on a five year 

rolling average developed using 11 years' (2009-2019) worth of historical crash data. Prediction models are 

developed using Excel's FORECAST.ETS exponential triple smoothing formula. While we always maintain a 

target of zero fatalities, historical trends in the state are more in line with what is presented.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

While developing performance targets, MDOT's HSIP personnel met virtually numerous times with the 

Mississippi Office of Highway Safety (MOHS), who is responsible for the state's NHTSA Highway Safety Plan 

(HSP). Our offices worked hand in hand to determine the appropriate performance targets regarding fatalities, 

fatality rate, and serious injuries that are included in both the HSP as well as the HSIP Report. Our offices 

agreed to the three targets, and MOHS reported the joint targets as a part of their 2020 HSP. 

Page 26 of 38

The remaining two targets - serious injury rate and non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries - were set 

using the same analysis tools and procedures as the three shared goals with MOHS.

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

safety performance targets. 

MDOT worked hand-in-hand alongside the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety (MOHS) in reviewing the data 

necessary to develop the three shared safety performance targets: Fatalities, Fatality Rate, and Serious 

Injuries. MDOT - more specifically the staff responsible for management of the state's HSIP - worked from 

there to review data available and develop the two remaining performance targets: Serious Injury Rate and 

Non-Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries.

Does the State want to report additional optional targets? 

No

Describe progress toward meeting the State’s 2019 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 697.0 671.8

Number of Serious Injuries 556.0 861.8

Fatality Rate 1.706 1.654

Serious Injury Rate 1.356 2.116

Non-Motorized Fatalities and 

Serious Injuries

131.4 143.6

In September 2019, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) updated its statewide crash report. As 

a part of that effort, the Mississippi DPS also updated its definition for "serious injury" in order to meet NHTSA's 

MMUCC 4th edition and be in compliance. As mentioned in detail in Question 30, the previous injury A 

definition was defined as "Life Threatening" and did not include injuries that are now include under the national 

"Serious Injury" definition (i.e. broken bone, non-life threatening lacerations, etc.) As a result of this, 

Mississippi saw its reported serious injuries increase by 5 to 7 times previous year valuesin the last 3-4 

months of the year. This, as can be expected, completely voided any ability by the state to meet its previouslyset performance target for any performance measure involving serious injuries; Mississippi missed its serious 

injury target by over 300 injuries, as well those set for serious injury rate and non-motorized fatalities and 

serious injuries. This is quite a juxtaposition from the fatality categories (number of fatalities; fatality rate) where 

our target-setting methodology allowed us to meet both measures. Mississippi is never satisfied with simply 

meeting these measures; our true target and goal is always zero fatalities and serious injuries on our 

roadways. 

Even with foreknowledge that the state intended to change its serious injury definition, it was always going to 

be an uphill battle for Mississippi to set an achievable performance target using the existing definitions for 
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 27 of 38

injuries at the time that the performance measures were developed as required. The state has relied heavily on 

historical data, trends and a long-established sense of how officers in the state choose to identify and code life 

threatening injuries as a result of a crash. With this change, there was no way to account for how officers from 

82 counties, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, as well as thousands of municipalities would choose to code 

crashes under this new definition without first establishing at least several months' worth of known values. 

Even then, anomalies and variances in month by month totals are likely to make it difficult for Mississippi to 

responsibly project its future trends and goals, at least through the end of 2020.

With all of this in mind, Mississippi is requesting that the three performance measures involving serious injury - 

Serious Injuries, Serious Injury Rate, and Non-Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries - be

withheld from the evaluation of the state's performance for 2019. The FHWA - Mississippi Division has also 

been contacted to make this request as well. 

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 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Number of Older Driver 

and Pedestrian Fatalities

60 66 68 97 90 92 107

Number of Older Driver 

and Pedestrian Serious 

Injuries

40 25 33 47 57 41 130
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 28 of 38

Evaluation

Program Effectiveness 

How does the State measure effectiveness of the HSIP? 

• Other-Before and After Crash Analysis 

- The state measures the true effectiveness of the projects it programs and constructs by the reduction of 

targeted crashes.

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

the State's program level evaluations. 

Mississippi tracks crash data - before construction begins as well as after construction is completed - for all 

projects in the state which utilize HSIP funds in any way (excludes planning projects as well as PE-only 

expenditures). The state tracks project area crash data for a five year time period for before and after 

construction is completed. While it does begin post-construction tracking immediately, Mississippi does not 

begin reporting project performance in the report until at least three years of post-construction data is available. 

A significant program update is that the state is more closely tracking the effectiveness of these projects at 

reducing targeted crash types as well as the more severe (fatal and serious injury) crashes present at the 

location. This moves away from an older practice of tracking project effectiveness by comparing all crashes in 

the project area in the before and after periods. Mississippi believes that this will give a better sense of the true 

effectiveness of our projects, as well as aid in the state's long-term goal of developing state-specific Crash 

Reduction Factors based on Mississippi projects. 

In reviewing the project tracking matrix provided as an attachment to the report and the data included therein, 

Mississippi noted several points of interest as they relate to the overall data trends. Of the 47 project locations 

that Mississippi is reporting on, 66% have produced a per-year reduction in the targeted crash type. This 

is a good indicator that overall, the projects selected are producing the kind of crash reductions that the state 

hopes to achieve. On the other side of things, some projects have seen an increase in the targeted crash type. 

A large portion of the projects producing an increase in targeted crash type involve installation of a new traffic 

signal or modification of an existing traffic signal. Though disappointing, this information is incredibly useful as 

it can help Mississippi better assess a countermeasure's effectiveness at certain locations involving certain 

road characteristics and potentially remove or de-prioritize those that aren't as well-performing as a part of its 

overall program. 

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

success of the Highway Safety Improvement Program? 

• # miles improved by HSIP 

• HSIP Obligations 

• Increased awareness of safety and data-driven process 

• Increased focus on local road safety 

• More systemic programs 

• Organizational change 

• Policy change 
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 29 of 38

Effectiveness of Groupings or Similar Types of Improvements

Present and describe trends in SHSP emphasis area performance measures.

Year 2019

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 400.2 429 0.98 1.05

Intersections 127.4 231
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 30 of 38

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Lane Departure Intersections

Fatalities

Number of Fatalities 

5 Year Average

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

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

Lane Departure Intersections

Serious Injuries

Number of Serious Injuries 

5 Year Average

2011-2015 2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 31 of 38

Has the State completed any countermeasure effectiveness evaluations during the 

reporting period? 

No

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

Lane Departure Intersections

Fatality Rate

Fatality Rate (per HMVMT) 

5 Year Average

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

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

Lane Departure Intersections

Serious Injury Rate

Serious Injury Rate (per HMVMT) 

5 Year Average

2011-2015 2012-2016 2013-2017 2014-2018 2015-2019
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 32 of 38

As the state has just begun more extensive efforts to track countermeasure effectiveness and targeted crash 

type reduction, it does not yet have any results or evaluations to report. As more projects are programmed and 

the state is able to gather more data on different countermeasures, it is anticipated that there will be more to 

report here in the next several years.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 33 of 38

Project Effectiveness

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

Mississippi has attached to this report a PDF copy of its project tracking matrix. This matrix includes the following for each project: 

- Project Number 

- Functional Classification 

- Project Description (including additional details as necessary) 

- "Before" period years, "After" period years 

- Total crashes and crash severity, "Before" and "After" 

- Targeted crashes and crash severity, "Before" and "After" (targeted crashes include those intended to be treated by the project-specific countermeasure(s))
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 34 of 38

Compliance Assessment

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

 01/03/2019

What are the years being covered by the current SHSP?

From: 2019 To: 2024

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

 2024

Mississippi has added funding to its three year HSIP Project Listing to begin the process of developing the new plan in Federal Fiscal Year 2023 with the plan to be approved and in place in January 2024.

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
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 35 of 38

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

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]

98 98

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
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 36 of 38

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 99.75 99.75 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

While MDOT has reviewed traffic control for 100% of the state, traffic control for several locations remains indeterminate. The state will continue working towards 100% completion of this effort as available data allows. 

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. 

The state is in the final stages of completing this assessment with only intersection traffic control remaining. As critical data becomes accessible to aid in this effort, the state intends to finish these remaining items in time to meet the 2026 

deadline.
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 37 of 38

Optional Attachments

Program Structure:

Project Implementation:

Safety Performance:

Q46 - Before and After Tracking.pdf

Evaluation:

Q46 - Before and After Tracking.pdf

Compliance Assessment:
2020 Mississippi Highway Safety Improvement Program

Page 38 of 38

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.