Analysis of SHRP2 Speeding Data: Methods Used to Conduct the Research
This report is intended to be a guide that provides helpful insights for researchers to use when navigating the process of Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) data acquisition and processing.
This report describes the methodologies and datasets used to prepare a set of data reductions that supported analyses of speeding behavior as discussed in the Findings Report from the same study (Richard, Lee, Brown, & Landgraf, 2019).
The report focuses primarily on the methods used to:
- Obtain and process trip time-series data
- Prepare data reductions to extract free-flow episodes (FFE)—driving in free-flow conditions where drivers have the opportunity to speed
- Extract speeding episodes (SE)
The workflow for preparing the data reductions consisted of three components:
- Data acquisition: Consisted of identifying variables of interest, selecting variables, obtaining a data sharing agreement, preparing and submitting data requests, and retrieving data extracted by the SHRP2 data contractor (VTTI).
- Data management: Included tracking the status of each trip during processing; retrieving, manipulating, and storing data in a relational database management system; database administration; data security; and data quality management.
- Data processing: Included developing and implementing data processing software tools that cleaned the data; parsed them into Trips, FFEs, and SEs; and produced data reductions suitable for analysis.
Lessons learned during the conduct of the research are provided.
Brown, J. L., & Richard, C. M. (2020,March). Analysis of SHRP2 speeding data: Methods used to conduct the research (Report No. DOT HS 812 793). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.