Guide & Resources
Conduct a Crash Analysis Studio
Goal
Bring together a group of people to learn from a serious crash and identify opportunities to improve safety.
A Crash Analysis Studio is a structured conversation.
Participants review information collected by the Crash Response Team, discuss the conditions that contributed to the crash, and identify actions that could reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.
The purpose is not to determine fault or assign blame. The purpose is to learn.
A Studio should include both technical and nontechnical participants. Engineers, planners, public works staff, and safety professionals bring important expertise. Residents, business owners, neighborhood leaders, and people familiar with the location often contribute equally important insights that might otherwise be overlooked.
A skilled facilitator guides the discussion, ensures all participants are heard, and helps the group stay focused on learning and improvement.
The Basic Studio Process
1. Review the Crash
Participants review the information gathered by the Crash Response Team, including photographs, observations, measurements, maps, and any other available materials.
2. Identify Contributing Factors
Participants discuss all of the factors that may have contributed to the crash, such as roadway design, traffic operations, visibility, maintenance conditions, policies, human behavior, or other circumstances.
The goal is to identify as many contributing factors as possible, regardless of their level of impact.
3. Discuss Potential Responses
Participants identify actions that could address the contributing factors they have identified. These may include immediate interventions, operational changes, maintenance improvements, policy changes, or future capital projects.
4. Document Findings
Key observations, contributing factors, and recommended actions are documented in a final Studio report.
Resources to Conduct a Studio
Studio Report Template
An editable Crash Analysis Studio report template to be completed with your Studio.
Keep Going
Continue Developing Your Studio by Sharing Your Findings
