11.0 Local Needs Assessment

OVERVIEW

The current TZM contract specifies that TZMs, using Washington's Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Target Zero and input from community stakeholders, will conduct a needs assessment and identify traffic safety priorities for their region.

TZMs will use this information to develop deliverables to be proposed as additions to their scope of work.

WHAT IS A LOCAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT?

A needs assessment is a systematic process used to identify the gaps between the current state of traffic safety in a TZMs region and the desired condition. It involves reviewing traffic crash data, listing current activities intended to reduce crashes, seeking input from local stakeholders, identifying gaps based on data and stakeholder input, and selecting new projects to meet the identified needs.

MODEL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Sample assessment process:

• Review SHSP

• Review local crash data using WTSC RADD data

• Rank local crash factors

• Note current actions being taken to address crash factors

• Identify stakeholders

  • any group in community with interest in traffic safety

  • Users, developers, policy-makers, decision-makers

• Request stakeholder input - options:

  • Survey

  • Group Meeting

  • Individual Interviews

• Prioritize input based on:

  • Frequency of response

  • Consistency with TZ plan

  • Capacity to meet need

• Propose actions to meet the needs identified in the assessment

• Incorporate results of needs assessment into the region's proposed strategic plan

• Submit proposed strategic plan to WTSC for review

For a more in-depth example of a needs assessment, review the Model Local Needs Assessment document.

Additional resources:

Local Needs Assessment Data Spreadsheet Template

Local Needs Assessment Data Spreadsheet Sample