The survey was developed by Road Safety GB in partnership with Road Safety Analysis (RSA), with grant funding provided by the DfT, as a scoping exercise to establish the needs of road collision analysts. A report summarising the survey results, and detailing recommended actions, was prepared by Road Safety Analysis. The report concludes that road collision analysts would welcome more support and recognition of the specialist work they undertake, and for it to be easier for them to interact with their peers and share best practice. The survey, undertaken during May and June 2015, attracted 114 responses from local authority employees and a small number (circa 10% of total) working for national organisations including the RAC Foundation, Highways England and the Transport Research Laboratory. The results show that while many respondents are confident in their analytical skills, there is a desire for further training and for sharing best practice. The report details immediate actions including: creating a national register to make it easier for analysts to contact each other; creating a national network so that analysts can guide the next steps in this project; promoting the work and potential of analysts; and encouraging their managers and organisations to understand and support the role. Interim measures include building and managing a private support forum for analysts (based on feedback from the network); and arranging a national analysts’ training seminar or conference to share best practice and provide specific training. Longer-term plans include making connections with academic and research organisations, encouraging analysts to attend national conferences, and ensuring that relevant presentations are given; and developing training courses and accreditation where none currently exist. Road Safety GB and Road Safety Analysis will develop an action plan based on the findings. (Author/publisher)
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