North Dakota Pilot GPS Project
Judy L. Froseth, Traffic Safety Program Director, ND Department of Transportation
jfroseth@state.nd.us
Telephone:  701-328-2453
 

North Dakota revised the motor vehicle crash report form to incorporate GPS latitude/longitude coordinates.  The change was accomplished by close communication between Traffic Safety, Planning and Programming, and Information Technology divisions, all located within the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The new form has been printed and distributed.

In January and February 2002 a pilot project was implemented with two local law enforcement agencies:  Bismarck Police Department and Cass County Sheriff's Office.  GPS units were purchased with traffic safety funds and provided to officers, who are collecting the GPS coordinates in addition to the standard location information. The successes and pitfalls of the pilot project will be discussed in this presentation.  Future plans include expansion to other law enforcement agencies based on the results of the pilot.

Outcome:  The intent of the project is to work towards better location identification for crash data.