New Mexico

Highway Safety Improvement Program

2016 Annual Report

Prepared by: NM
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

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

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Program Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 3

Program Administration ........................................................................................................................... 3

Program Methodology.............................................................................................................................. 5

Progress in Implementing Projects............................................................................................................... 9

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

General Listing of Projects.................................................................................................................. 12

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets .................................................................................... 17

Overview of General Safety Trends........................................................................................................ 17

Application of Special Rules.................................................................................................................... 32

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program Evaluation) ..........................................34

SHSP Emphasis Areas.............................................................................................................................. 36

Groups of similar project types............................................................................................................... 41

Systemic Treatments............................................................................................................................... 42

Project Evaluation....................................................................................................................................... 44

Glossary....................................................................................................................................................... 46
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

1

2. Executive Summary

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

by the Statewide Planning Bureau (SPB), housed under the New Mexico Department of 

Transportation (NMDOT) Asset Management and Planning Division (AMPD). The 

report is based on the best available data and information collected. To facilitate a 

transparent stakeholder process, the NMDOT SPB is coordinating with its internal and 

external safety partners through a comprehensive communication process. The 

preparation of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Strategic Highway 

Safety Plan (SHSP), Highway Safety Plan (HSP), and the Commercial Vehicle Safety 

Plan (CVSP), are also being coordinated to provide consistency of data, integrated 

safety initiatives, and consistent identification of performance trends and safety 

performance assessment. This coordinated safety planning effort is allowing NMDOT to 

direct limited safety dollars to areas with the greatest safety needs and to develop 

effective goals, safety strategies, and performance targets.

Overall, in New Mexico, from 2010 to 2014 there has been a 10 percent increase in 

fatalities from 349 to 383. Serious incapacitating injuries (A) declined by 35 percent from 

1,922 to 1,249 during the same reporting period.

With respect to consideration of the five year rolling average, there has been a general 

downward trend in fatalities with a slight increase in the 2014 of the Five Year Rolling 

Average. Compared to 2010, in 2014 there was a decrease of over 10 percent in the 

rolling average for fatalities. For serious injuries (A) there has been a consistent 

reduction in New Mexico for the past five plus years. Similar decreases in the five year 

rolling average have been noted for rates, a decline for the serious (A) injury rate. 

In 2016, NMDOT continued to make significant progress on programming and obligation 

of HSIP funds, as well as continued implementation of a systematic process for funding 

and completion of a backlog of projects. This included further development of a 

structured list of Road Safety Audits (assessments) (RSAs) planned and performed, 

and a comprehensive and organized process of communication with internal and 

external project stakeholders.

Other accomplishments include improvements in crash data reporting and analysis as 

evidenced in the level of detail in this year’s report. Over the past several years, there 

has been progress in the location of crashes, an improved ability to identify crash 

occurrence by functional class and ownership, and the ability to calculate associated 

crash rates to assess trends. This year’s HSIP also includes an update of SHSP 

Emphasis Area data. Local safety road projects are a key component in the HSIP with 

$2.1 million obligated for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) reporting period of 2015. NMDOT 

will implement an updated SHSP this year that will provide a more detailed and 

extensive analysis of safety performance, additional Emphasis Areas, and guidance on 

strategies to reduce severe crashes on all roads in New Mexico.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

2
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

3

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 MAP21 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

3. How are Highway Safety Improvement Program funds administered in the State? 

Central

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

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

current program (FFY 2015), 9% of NM HSIP funds are obligated for local road projects, 

and 89% are obligated for Statewide DOT projects. With the exception of the District let 

projects, all HSIP projects programmed in the FFY 2015 STIP were approved by the 

Safety Committee using the previous application process where applications where 

submitted on a quarterly basis through the MPOs and RTPOs and then reviewed and 

prioritized by the NMDOT HSIP Committee, regardless of the project location. In other 

words, proposed HSIP projects on local roads were handled in the same manner as 

proposed projects on DOT roads.

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

Design

Planning

Maintenance

Operations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Other-NMDOT Districts

6. Briefly describe coordination with internal partners. 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

4

The internal NMDOT Safety Committee meets on a monthly basis to review the HSIP 

and ensure the program is meeting the goals and objectives of the NMDOT HSIP Plan. 

The Safety Committee is composed of the following:

• Acting HSIP Coordinator

• State Traffic Engineer

• STIP Coordinator

• Chief Engineer

• Field Operations Division Director

• Program Management Division Director

• Asset Management and Planning Division Director

• Rail Bureau Chief

• Data Management Bureau Chief

• Office of Safety Programs Director

• Representatives from other NMDOT Departments, including Project Oversight 

Division, Traffic Safety Division and others.

The Acting HSIP Coordinator also coordinates closely with the three regional Design 

Centers on project tracking and oversight. In addition, the Acting HSIP Coordinator, in 

overseeing the SHSP, coordinates closely with NMDOT Office of Safety Programs 

which is responsible for the Highway Safety Plan. The NMDOT representative to the 

Governors Highway Safety Commission is the Director of the Highway Safety Office in 

the Office of Safety Programs.

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

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Other-Regional Transportation Planning Organizations

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

the last reporting period.

Other-*see optional description

Administration of HSIP Funds and program continues to be under the auspices of the 

Statewide Planning Bureau, which facilitates internal and external coordination, program 

management, and project tracking. The past program administration practices entailed 

a quarterly call for applications submitted through the MPOs and RTPOs. This practice 

is temporarily suspended in an effort to: program all previously selected projects; ensure 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

5

that all programmed projects in FFY2015 are obligated (or moved to outer years of the 

STIP, as appropriate); facilitate follow up on completed RSA reports; and schedule 

needed RSAs and program “shelf projects” selected through the Section 130 program, 

as well as the Districts/Maintenance projects program.

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

would like to elaborate.

NMDOT made significant progress in 2015-2016 to program and obligate HSIP funds 

and to provide a systematic process for funding a backlog of projects. This includes the 

development a structured list of RSAs planned and performed, and a more 

comprehensive and organized process of communication with internal and external 

stakeholders. 

Program Methodology

10. Select the programs that are administered under HSIP. 

Median Barrier Roadway Departure

11. Program: Median Barrier

Date of Program Methodology: 8/31/2012

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic

Volume

Median width

Functional classification

Lane miles Roadside features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Crash rate

Other-*see optional description

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

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Other-See optional description
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

6

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).

Available funding 1

11. Program: Roadway Departure

Date of Program Methodology: 8/12/2012

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic

Volume

Lane miles

Roadside features

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Crash rate

Other-*see optional description

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

Yes

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

Yes

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Other-See optional description

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).

Available funding -1

What project identification methodology was used for this program?

The Median Barrier Program is based on the application of proven countermeasures and 

documented by national research from the AASHTO HSM. For example, the AASHTO HSM Table 

13-23, indicates the installation of a Median Barrier will reduce all fatal crashes by 43% (CMF = 

0.57), and all types of injuries by 30% (CMF=0.70).
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

7

The Roadway Departure Program is based on the application of proven countermeasures and is 

documented by national research from the HSM. There are a variety of strategies used to 

reduce Roadway Departure fatalities and serious (A) injuries. For example, strategies include: 

installation of shoulder rumble strips (CMF rural freeways SVROR crashes = 0.79); CMF multilane highways SVROR injury crashes = 0.78; Installation of centerline rumble strips (CMF rural 

two lane roads head-on and opposing direction sideswipe injury crashes = 0.75).

How are the highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

For the Median Barrier Program, the NMDOT State Traffic Engineer reviews and 

approves the use of proven median treatments for freeways and forwards to FHWA NM 

Division for concurrence.

For the Roadway Departure Program, the NMDOT State Traffic Engineer reviews and 

approves proven countermeasures to address Roadway Departure Safety needs that 

are consistent with the SHSP (CTSP) such as shoulder rumble strips and forwards to 

FHWA NM Division for concurrence.

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

2%

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

improvements?

Other-Vehicle-pedestrian crashes

New Mexico is a Pedestrian Safety Focus State due to an increase in the trend of 

pedestrian fatalities and serious (A) injuries from vehicle-pedestrian crashes. Pedestrian 

safety is identified as an emphasis area in the current update effort for the NM SHSP.

The SHSP includes key objectives and strategies for the pedestrian crash emphasis 

area and vetted by a large group of stakeholders. The draft SHSP recommends a 

comprehensive set of planning guidelines for pedestrian safety programs and strategies 

on a statewide basis for all roads.

In 2015-2016 there has been improved coordination of pedestrian safety program 

efforts. The SPB is collaborating with Traffic Safety Bureau, which manages the 

NMDOT NHTSA-funded programs, on several initiatives. 

The Program Management Team (PMT), responsible for overseeing the SHSP initiated 

discussions for development of pedestrian systemic countermeasures to reduce 

pedestrian fatalities and incapacitating (A) injuries in the State. For example, both the 

SPB Chief/Acting HSIP Coordinator and the Bicycle, Pedestrian, Equestrian (BPE) 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

8

Coordinator are on the SHSP PMT and are actively engaged in ongoing collaborations 

and discussions to develop and implement systemic safety improvements for the 

Pedestrian Safety focus area (emphasis area).

13. What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

Engineering Study

Road Safety Assessment

(Engineering Study): Initial Evaluation of alternatives (I-A) and Detailed Evaluation of 

alternatives (I-B) as outlined in the Location Study Procedures (LSP) process. The 

alignment and corridor study process includes a safety evaluation component when 

developing, screening, and determining the preferred alternatives in an alignment or 

corridor study.

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

the last reporting period.

Road Safety audits

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

you would like to elaborate. 

NMDOT now uses a more formal process for managing the state Road Safety Audit 

(RSA program), as follows:

1. District offices submit the RSA Application to the HSIP Coordinator requesting an 

RSA. Crash data and other information is required. 

2. The NMDOT Safety Committee and FHWA-NM review and prioritize the 

applications, taking into consideration crash data, as well as other information 

provided.

3. Selected applications are added to the RSA tracking spreadsheet and addressed 

through an on-call engineering services contract. 

4. RSAs are completed within 90 days and Districts have 30 days from completion 

of the final report to submit an application for projects identified in the RSA 

report. 

5. The RSA program includes monitoring and tracking systems to identify which 

RSAs result in HSIP projects.

The NMDOT conducted two training sessions in 2013 for staff in the use of the 

AASHTO Highway Safety Manual (HSM) and another is scheduled for October 2016.

These training sessions were provided for NMDOT staff in the background and use of 

the HSM with the intent for future adoption and use of the Highway Safety Manual by 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

9

the NMDOT for Planning, Design and Operations. The SPB for 2016-2017 intends to 

conduct additional efforts to expand use of the HSM for safety performance assessment 

for planning, design and evaluation. 

Progress in Implementing Projects

Funds Programmed

16. Reporting period for Highway Safety Improvement Program funding.

Federal Fiscal Year

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

The Acting HSIP Coordinator improved tracking of local and state funds (non-federal) 

used for highway safety improvements on a comprehensive basis. The intent is to 

implement a more comprehensive and focused approach towards leveraging local, 

state, and federal funds to better target high-risk emphasis areas and strategies 

identified in the NM Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). This will allow New Mexico 

to more effectively achieve performance goals and targets towards a reduction in 

fatalities, serious (A) injuries and associated fatality and serious (A) injury rates. 

Funding Category Programmed* Obligated

Amount Percentage Amount Percentage

HSIP (Section 148) $23,433,565.00 84 % $22,854,675.00 84 %

HRRRP (SAFETEA-LU) $0.00 0 % $0.00 0 %

HRRR Special Rule $0.00 0 % $0.00 0 %

Penalty Transfer -

Section 154

$3,134,868.00 11 % $3,040,126.00 11 %

Penalty Transfer –

Section 164

$1,174,588.00 4 % $1,400,000.00 5 %

Incentive Grants - 

Section 163

$0.00 0 % $0.00 0 %

Incentive Grants (Section 

406)

$0.00 0 % $0.00 0 %

Other Federal-aid Funds 

(i.e. STP, NHPP)

$0.00 0 % $0.00 0 %

State and Local Funds $0.00 0 % $0.00 0 %

Totals $27,743,021.00 100% $27,294,801.00 100%
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

10

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

$2,942,250.00

How much funding is obligated to local safety projects?

$2,146,541.00

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

$0.00

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

$0.00

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

reporting period?

$0.00

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

period?

$0.00

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

overcome this in the future.

In 2015, since assuming management of the HSIP, the SPB focused on expediting the 

planning, programming and obligation of projects to eliminate the backlog of HSIP funds 

and projects. In addition, the Acting HSIP Coordinator and NMDOT State Traffic 

Engineer coordinated efforts to plan the execution of RSAs in a more expeditious 

manner to facilitate a more efficient project development process for future HSIP 

projects. Program improvements include restructuring the HSIP by working closely with 

MPOs and RTPOs, as well as NMDOT Districts to develop a more data driven 

program.

For current statewide programs, Road Departure and Median Barriers, a greater 

emphasis on a data driven approach can be initiated using techniques outlined in the 

AASHTO Highway Safety Manual (HSM). NMDOT is initiating an effort to evaluate the 

safety performance of programs, starting with Median Barrier effectiveness using HSM 

evaluation techniques. For these programs it is envisioned that using HSM techniques 

can be used to develop enhanced approaches to prioritize projects for implementation; 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

11

assess the need for other programs based on fatalities and severe injury data; and use 

more robust project identification methodologies such as Equivalent Property Damage 

Only (EPDO Crash Frequency) and/or Relative Severity Index approaches. 

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

progress on which you would like to elaborate.

This year’s HSIP success is highlighted through the improvements made at 

programming and obligation of all NM HSIP funds on safety improvements, including 

proven safety countermeasures, such as median barrier; safety improvements at nearly 

20 rail crossings; more than 20 local lead projects; intersection related improvements, 

pedestrian related projects, signing/delineation projects, and several statewide 

programs including roadway departure related improvements, RSAs, and Intelligent 

Transportation System (ITS) improvements particularly for incident management.

The HSIP is also linked to and consistent with the update of the NM SHSP. Both the 

HSIP and draft SHSP have an increased emphasis on pedestrian safety. Consistent 

with the SHSP crash data findings which identified road departure crashes as the 

highest of any Emphasis Area related to infrastructure crashes, over 49 percent of the 

FFY 2015 HSIP program is obligated to strategies that mitigate this crash type. Over 13 

per cent of the 2014-2015 HSIP program is obligated to median barrier improvements. 

Both roadway departure and median barrier projects are core programs under the HSIP.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

12

General Listing of Projects

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

Project Improvemen

t Category 

Output HSIP 

Cost

Total 

Cost

Funding 

Categor

y

Functional 

Classificatio

n

AAD

T

Spee

d

Roadway 

Ownershi

p

Relationship to SHSP

Emphasis 

Area

Strategy

110094

0

Access 

management 

Access 

management 

- other

0.18 

Miles

193215 214683 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Urban 

Minor 

Arterial

City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Implement 

geometric 

improvements

210105

0

Railroad 

grade 

crossings and 

Intersection 

Improvemen

ts 

1 

Number

s

113712

1

126346

8

Penalty 

Transfer 

-

Section 

154

Rural Major 

Collector

State 

Highway 

Agency

Rail Enhance safety 

for public atgrade crossings

210114

0

Alignment 

Horizontal 

curve 

realignment

12 Miles 200557

0

216490

7

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Keep vehicles 

from 

encroaching 

onto roadside

410089

0

Roadway 

signs and 

delineation 

2 Miles 138600 154000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Local 

Road or 

Street

County 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Keep vehicles 

from 

encroaching 

onto roadside

410090

0

Roadway 

signs and 

delineation 

254700 283000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Local 

Road or 

Street

County 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Keep vehicles 

from 

encroaching 

onto roadside
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

13

510064

0

Roadside 

Barriermetal

4.3 

Miles

561982 624424 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Upgrade design 

& application of 

roadside 

hardware

610085

0

Intersections 1.3 

Miles

306900 341000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

990036

1

Roadside 

Barrier -

cable

24.05 

Miles

252554

2

272619

0

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Keep vehicles 

from 

encroaching 

onto roadside

990036

2

Lighting Site 

lighting -

interchange

0.74 

Miles

787440 850000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Improve visibility 

of interchange 

by lighting

990036

5

Roadway 

delineation 

322482

0

348102

3

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Provide 

enhanced 

pavement 

markings

990036

6

Roadway 

delineation 

378941

4

409047

3

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Provide 

enhanced 

pavement 

markings

990036

7

Roadside 

Barrier -

concrete

0.5 

Miles

129696

0

140000

0

HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Install proven 

treatment to 

reduce head-on 

crashes

990036

8

Roadway 

signs and 

traffic 

control 

Roadway 

22.5 

Miles

437400 486000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Multiple
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

14

signs 

(including 

post) - new 

or updated

A30008

1

Railroad 

grade 

crossings 

45000 50000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

Other 

(Rio 

Metro 

Regional 

Transit 

Authority)

Rail Enhance safety 

at public atgrade crossings

A30037

4

Roadway 5 Miles 291816 315000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Install highfriction surface 

treatement

A30065

2

Intersection 

geometry 

Intersection 

geometrics -

modify skew 

angle

1 

Number

s

476340 529267 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

County 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Re-align 

intersection and 

install traffic 

signal

A30065

6

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

1 

Number

s

108000 120000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

Indian 

Tribe 

Nation

Intersection

s

Implement signal 

timining/detecti

on modifications

A30065

7

Alignment 

Horizontal 

curve 

realignment

2.15 

Miles

128700 143000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Provide 

improved 

geometry for 

horizontal curves

A30124

1

Intersection 

geometry, 

traffic 

control, and 

pedestrian 

1 

Number

s

163800 182000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other and 

Rural Minor 

County 

Highway 

Agency

Pedestrians

, 

Intersection

s

Multiple 

intersection, 

pedestrian, 

traffic control
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

15

access Arterial

A30175

0

Roadway 

signs and 

traffic 

control 

Roadway 

signs 

(including 

post) - new 

or updated

13500 15000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Major 

Collector

City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Federal: update 

signs per MUTCD 

retro-reflectivit

A30181

0

Pedestrians 

and bicyclists 

1 

Number

s

40500 45000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Varies State 

Highway 

Agency

Pedestrians 

and 

bicyclists

Maintain a 

Robust RSA 

Program

F10020

0

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

1 

Number

s

328872 355000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural Minor 

Arterial

City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

LC0013

0

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

1.72 

Miles

356670 396300 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Urban 

Minor 

Arterial

City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure 

and 

Intersection

s

Multiple

S10027

0

Pedestrians 

and bicyclists 

Pedestrian 

signal -

modify 

existing

270000 300000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Rural-Varies City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Pedestrians 

and 

Intersection

s

upgrade ped 

signals based 

upon the 

identified need

S10037

0

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

Modify 

control -

Number

s

180000 200000 HSIP 

(Section 

148)

Urban 

Minor 

Arterial

City of 

Municipal 

Highway 

Agency

Intersection

s

Install 

roundabout at 

appropriate 

locations
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

16

modification

s to 

roundabout

990050

1

Training 810000 900000 Penalty 

Transfer 

–

Section 

164

N/A Various Multiple Multiple

990050

2

Training 90000 10000 Penalty 

Transfer 

–

Section 

164

N/A Various Multiple Multiple

990050

3

Safety 360000 400000 Penalty 

Transfer 

–

Section 

164

N/A Various Multiple Multiple
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

17

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets

Overview of General Safety Trends

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

Performance Measures* 2011

(5-yr avg)

2012

(5-yr avg)

2013

(5-yr avg)

2014

(5-yr avg)

2015

(5-yr avg)

Number of fatalities 395 368 358 347 352

Number of serious injuries 1941 1871 1819 1697 1567

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 1.52 1.41 1.39 1.36 1.39

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT) 7.45 7.19 7.06 6.65 6.17

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

18
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

19

1. Source for Fatalities and Fatality Rate: 2017 Highway Safety Plan (HSP) Common 

Measures_20160504.doc C-1 and C-3. 

2. Source for Serious (A) Injuries (2010-2013): 2017 Highway Safety Plan (HSP) Common 

Measures_20160504.doc C-2. 

3. Source for Serious (A) Injuries (2014): NMDOT Crash Database Query:

Crash_DataAsOf6.21.2016.xlsx. 

4. Source for Serious (A) Injury Rate (2011-2013) 2017 Highway Safety Plan (HSP) Common 

Measures_20160504.doc C-2.1. 

5. Source for 2014 HMVMT: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics. 

6. Source for 2014 Serious (A) Injury Rate: Number 3 and Number 5 above. 

7. Data reported are five year rolling averages for years (2010-2014)
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

20

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

Year - 2014

Function 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 - INTERSTATE

75 99 1.76 2.32

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

65 102 2.06 3.23

RURAL MINOR 

ARTERIAL

30 69 2.12 4.88

RURAL MINOR 

COLLECTOR

11 16 2.05 2.99

RURAL MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

32 64 2.82 5.63

RURAL LOCAL ROAD OR 

STREET

19 97 0.49 2.51

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

11 65 0.43 2.52

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

69 176 1.64 4.18

URBAN MINOR 

ARTERIAL

23 136 1.49 8.8

URBAN LOCAL ROAD 

OR STREET

12 270 0.75 16.78

URBAN COLLECTOR 

(MAJOR AND MINOR 

COMBINED)

17 123 1.65 11.93

RURAL UNKNOWN 14

UNKNOWN 5 32
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

21
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

22
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

23
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

24
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

25

Year - 2015

Roadway Ownership Number of 

fatalities

Number of serious 

injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

STATE HIGHWAY AGENCY 257 498 1.57 3.04

COUNTY HIGHWAY AGENCY 41 154 0.88 3.29

CITY OF MUNICIPAL HIGHWAY 

AGENCY

70 552 1.32 10.43

PRIVATE (OTHER THAN RAILROAD) 1 1

INDIAN TRIBE NATION 11 10 1.81 1.65

FEDERAL AGENCY 2

UNKNOWN OWNERSHIP 3 32
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

26
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

27
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

28
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

29
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

30

Fatality and Serious (A) Injuries by Roadway Functional Classification notes: 

Fatality and injury data by Roadway Functional Classification are reported on an annual basis instead of a five-year rolling average.

1. Data Source for fatalities by Roadway Functional Classification: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) website: http://wwwfars.nhtsa.dot.gov//QueryTool/QuerySection/SelectYear.aspx

2. Source for Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) data used to calculate the fatality rate by Roadway Functional Classification: Highway 

Performance Monitoring System (HPMS)/FHWA Office of Policy and statistics website:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/quickfinddata/qftravel.cfm

3. Source for Serious (A) Injuries by Roadway Functional Classification: All Roads Network of Linear Referenced Data (ARNOLD) 

and NMDOT crash data base Crash_DataAsOf6.21.2016.xlsx.

5. FARS (2012-2014) reports Major and Minor Collector fatalities into one classification Urban Collector. Serious (A) Injuries (2010-

2014) for Major and Minor Collector are combined into one classification Urban Collector because of limited VMT and abnormally 

high rate calculations. 

6. FARS (2010 and 2011) No fatality reporting for Urban Collector Roadway Classification.

10. FARS and ARNOLD reported limited fatalities and Serious (A) Injuries on “Urban Principal Arterials-Other Expressways” in some 

years. No VMT, or serious (A) injuries are classified in the “Urban Principal Arterials-Other Expressways” classification.

11. No data are reported for “Rural Arterials-Other Expressways” for either fatalities or serious (A) injuries.

Fatality and Serious (A) Injuries by Roadway Ownership notes: 

1. Fatality and injury data by Roadway Ownership are reported on an annual basis instead of a five-year rolling average.

2. Federal Agency includes National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US 

Forest Service jurisdictional routes.

3. City of Municipal Highway Agency category includes towns, villages, and small to large municipalities and cities.

4. Indian Tribe Nation includes Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) jurisdictional routes.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

31

5. Fatality and Serious (A) Injury rates by Roadway Ownership are derived using year 2015 Vehicles Miles Traveled (VMT) from the 

NMDOT-All Roads Network of Linear Referenced Data (ARNOLD) for roadways in New Mexico.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

32

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

elaborate.

None at this time.

Application of Special Rules

27. Present the rate of traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and pedestrians 65 

years of age and older.

Older Driver

Performance Measures

2010

(5-yr avg)

2011

(5-yr avg)

2012

(5-yr avg)

2013

(5-yr avg)

2014

(5-yr avg)

Fatality rate (per capita) 0.072 0.096 0.13 0.128 0.118

Serious injury rate (per 

capita)

0.274 0.346 0.412 0.388 0.376

Fatality and serious injury 

rate (per capita)

0.346 0.442 0.542 0.516 0.494

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

1. Older Driver Fatalities were obtained from FARS: K Injury Severity, Age 65+, Person Type: Driver of 

motorized transport

2. Older Pedestrian Fatalities were obtained from FARS: K Injury Severity, Age 65+, Person Type: 

Pedestrian

3. Older Driver Serious (A) Injuries were obtained from NMDOT Crash Database: Vehicle File dated 

August 28, 2015 (2006-2011), and Vehicle File dated June 21, 2016 (2012-2014): Driver Age 65+, 

Vehicle Type=Passenger Car, Pick-up, Semi, Bus, Motorcycle, Other, Van/Four-wheel Drive, and 

unknown vehicle type; Driver Injury = A

4. Older Pedestrian Serious (A) Injuries were obtained from NMDOT Crash Database: Vehicle File dated 

August 28, 2015 (2006-2011), and Vehicle File dated June 21, 2016 (2012-2014): Driver Age 65+, 

Vehicle Type=Pedestrian, Driver Injury = A

5. Population Age 65 Years and older (in thousands) from MAP - 21 Older Driver and Older Pedestrian 

Special Rule Guidance

6. Fatality Rate Calculations: (Year: (K older driver + K older pedestrian)/(population age 65 years and 

older in thousands))

(2008: (23+5)/262), (2009: (34+3)/265), (2010: (25+6)/275), (2011: (31+4)/283), (2012: (43+7)/294), 

(2013: (24+6)/307), (2014: (19+9)/318)
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

33

7. Serious (A) Injury Rate Calculations: (Year: (A older driver + A older pedestrian)/(population age 65 

years and older in thousands))

(2008: (114+7)/262), (2009: (104+3)/265), (2010: (133+6)/275), (2011: (100+2)/283), (2012: (94+4)/294), 

(2013: (98+7)/307), (2014: (99+9)/318)

8. Fatality and Serious (A) Injury Rate Calculations: (Year: Fatality rate per population age 65 years and 

older in thousands + Serious (A) Injury rate per population age 65 years and older in thousands)

(2008: 0.11+0.46=0.57), (2009: 0.14+0.40=0.54), (2010: 0.11+0.51=0.62), (2011: 0.12+0.36=0.48), (2012: 

0.17+0.33=0.50), (2013: 0.10+0.34=0.44), (2014: 0.09+0.34=0.43)

9. The Online Reporting Tool (ORT) calculated the five-year rolling average directly from the annual data 

entered in the ORT.

10. The five-year rolling average for 2010 and 2011 are not completely provided because population 

age 65+ in thousands for 2006 and 2007 are not available.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

34

28. Does the older driver special rule apply to your state? 

No

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program 

Evaluation)
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

35

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

Safety Improvement Program?

Other-See optional description

There has been a general downward trend in fatalities with a slight increase in the 2014 

of the Five Year Rolling Average. Compared to 2010, in 2014 there was a decrease of 

over 10 percent in the rolling average for fatalities. For serious injuries (A) there has 

been a consistent reduction in New Mexico for the past five plus years. Similar 

decreases in the five year rolling average have been noted for rates, a decline for the 

serious (A) injury rate. These trends are shown in data graphically illustrated for the 

performance measures for fatalities and serious injuries in Question 24.

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

Organizational Changes

Other-Increased coordination in planning efforts related to infrastructure and behavioral safety 

initiatives.

There has been increased coordination in planning efforts related to infrastructure and 

behavioral safety initiatives, and in coordination of data management and improvements 

in the quality and broader scope of crash data that are available.

Coupled with the NMDOT effort to update the SHSP and the efforts by the SPB relating 

to the administration of the HSIP and SHSP there has been a significant increase in 

safety stakeholder involvement which has led to a more transparent process and 

greater input in SHSP Emphasis Area and strategy development towards a more data 

driven approach. As shown in later data for SHSP analysis almost all Emphasis Areas 

are now based on a data-driven approach.

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

This was addressed in the prior question.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

36

SHSP Emphasis Areas

32. Present and describe trends in SHSP emphasis area performance measures.

Year - 2014

HSIP-related SHSP 

Emphasis Areas

Target 

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)

Other-1

(5-yr 

avg)

Other-2

(5-yr 

avg)

Other-3

(5-yr 

avg)

Roadway Departure 175 375 0.69 1.48

Intersections 54 453 0.21 1.79

Pedestrians 74 94 0.29 0.37

Bicyclists 5 26 0.02 0.1

Older Drivers 19 99 0.07 0.39

Motorcyclists 41 179 0.16 0.71

Work Zones 4 18 0.02 0.07
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

37
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

38
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

39
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

40

Sources:

1. FARS online Query Encyclopedia tool for emphasis area fatalities

http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov//QueryTool/QuerySection/selectYear.aspx
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

41

2. NMDOT Crash Database (Crash, Vehicle(Detail), and Occupant files for Serious (A) Injuries:

Crash_DataAsOf6.21.2016.xlsx, Vehicle_DataAsOf6.21.2016.xlsx, and Occupant_DataAsOf6.21.2016.xlsx

3. HMVMT for rate calculations: Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS)

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics

Notes:

4. Data presented are shown as annual values and not as five-year rolling averages. 

Groups of similar project types

33. Present the overall effectiveness of HSIP subprograms.

HSIP Subprogram 

Types

Target 

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)

Other-1

(5-yr 

avg)

Other-2

(5-yr 

avg)

Other-3

(5-yr 

avg)

SKIP Roadway departure crashes and resulting fatalities and injuries have been studied as part of the NM SHSP update effort and 

consequently this category is a designated Emphasis Area (EA). Crash data are presented in the section for SHSP EAs for number 

of fatalities, serious injuries (A), and rates. In general, for road departure crashes, there has been an overall downward trend in 

both fatal and severe injury crashes. The year 2013 represented the lowest annual frequency of these crashes for fatalities since at 

least 2010. The year 2014 had the lowest frequency of serious (A) injuries.
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

42

Systemic Treatments

34. Present the overall effectiveness of systemic treatments.

Systemic 

improvement

Target 

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)

Other-1

(5-yr 

avg)

Other-2

(5-yr 

avg)

Other-3

(5-yr 

avg)

SKIP At this time no crash data are available relating to the effectiveness of specific systemic measures implemented for pedestrian 

safety initiatives. However, measurable progress has been made as part of the SHSP update as Pedestrian Safety has been 

designated as an EA and 20 strategies have been developed based on input from stakeholder meetings. These strategies 

include systemic/programmatic strategies, data refinements, identification of key proven infrastructure strategies, 

enforcement strategies especially related to speed management in pedestrian areas, and improved educational programs. All 

of these countermeasures are designed for application at a system-wide level. 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

43

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

which you would like to elaborate. 

The general continued long term downward trend in fatalities and serious injuries in 

New Mexico is a positive result of the efforts of state safety groups on many fronts. 

Examples include NMDOT public information campaigns such as DNTXT, BKLUP, 

ENDWI, Look for Me; improved local and state law enforcement training and education; 

and deployment of engineering countermeasures. While under the auspices of the HSP, 

these programs help support infrastructure based programs that are part of the NMDOT 

HSIP.

NMDOT’s Data Management team meets periodically to assess the data collection 

process and initiatives. The data collection management team is providing oversight to 

the management of crash data. For example, the state is now geo-coding nearly all of 

the reported crashes. In 2014, NMDOT geo-coded 98% of all reported crashes and this 

has allowed for improved data reporting in this HSIP report. This significant 

improvement has greatly enhanced locating crashes and management of the statewide 

crash database through use of NMDOT’s Geographic Information System (GIS).
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

44

Project Evaluation

36. 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)

* See 

optional

description

Planning efforts are now underway by NMDOT HSIP team members to assess potential ways to develop and implement 

procedures to improve safety performance measurement techniques, data analysis, and safety effectiveness evaluation. 

NMDOT plans to evaluate the effectiveness of median barrier treatments on the upcoming year. This will allow for the 

conduct of project and countermeasure assessments. 
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

45

Optional Attachments

Sections Files Attached

Program Structure: Program Administration Question 3 Supplement for HSIP Program 

Administration.docx
2016 New Mexico Highway Safety Improvement Program

46

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. 

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.