Instructions:

Select the appropriate characteristic that best describes the location of the first harmful event.

Definition:

The location of the first harmful event as it relates to its position within or outside the trafficway.

Rationale:

This element is important for identifying highway geometric deficiencies.

Code Attribute Definition Example
1 Roadway The part of a trafficway ordinarily used for motor vehicle travel. Separate roadways may be provided for directional traffic or for vehicle classes. Bridle paths and bicycle paths are not included in this definition.
2 Median An area of trafficway between parallel roads separating travel in opposite directions. A median can be depressed, raised, or flush with the travel way surface. A flush or painted median without a barrier should be four or more feet wide between inside roadway edge lines. Separator shoulders, turn lanes, and continuous left-turn lanes are not considered medians.
3 Roadside The outermost part of the trafficway from the property line or other boundary, in toward the edge of the first roadway. This may include the area between the edge of a trafficway and the edge of a roadway with no shoulder, as well as the area between the edge of a trafficway and the edge of a shoulder. This does not include roadways, shoulders, separators and medians.
4 Shoulder-Paved A paved part of a trafficway sharing a common border with the roadway for emergency use, for accommodation of stopped motor vehicles, and for lateral support of the roadway structure.
5 Shoulder-Unpaved An unpaved part of a trafficway sharing a common border with the roadway for emergency use, for accommodation of stopped motor vehicles, and for lateral support of the roadway structure.
6 Shoulder-Travel Lane A trafficway shoulder used for travel during portions of the day as a congestion relief strategy.
7 Outside Roadway Not physically located on any landway open to the public as a matter of right or custom for moving persons or property from one place to another.
99 Unknown If this attribute is used, an explanation in the narrative is recommended.

FAQ

What is the difference between the ‘roadside’ and the ‘shoulder’?

The ‘shoulder’ is the area immediately adjacent to the roadway, which may or may not be present. The ‘roadside’ is the area beyond that.

Accuracy Checks

  • If First Harmful Event indicates collision with a ‘barrier’, ‘curb’, ‘ditch’, ’embankment’, ‘guardrail’, ‘traffic control device’, or ‘utility pole’ ‘light pole or other post/support’, then First Harmful Event Location should not be ‘roadway’.

Other Related Fields

First Harmful Event; Sequence of Events

Data Quality Audit Results

Report Type Acceptable Inconsistent Invalid Empty
Local Police (electronic) 336 93.9% 11 3.1% 2 0.6% 9 2.5%
Local Police (paper) 332 92.0% 16 4.4% 4 1.1% 9 2.5%
State Police (electronic) 316 94.6% 12 3.6% – – 6 1.8%
Total 984 93.4% 39 3.7% 6 0.6% 24 2.3%

The First Harmful Event Location field was completed appropriately for 93 percent of the reports reviewed. Of the portion that was considered unacceptable, almost 4 percent had issues with consistency, and slightly more than 2 percent had an empty field. Among the different police agency types and reporting methods (paper vs. electronic), the variation was minimal. Auditors representing law enforcement commented on confusion regarding the difference between roadway and roadside, and suggested further clarification on this distinction. In general, the inconsistencies were due to contradictory information in the narrative. There were no appreciable differences in findings since the previous 2005 audit.