A new software program is causing a ruckus in the South. The program, referred to as CRASH or Crash Reduction Analyzing Statistical History, is finding success in Tennessee. According to a recent report by Government Technology, the state’s highway patrol notes that the system has an accuracy rating of 72 percent for predicting time and location of crashes over the past six months. If the program continues to have success, other departments across the country may invest in the software.
The software is not cheap. The program cost the department approximately $243,000. Tennessee’s patrol was able to fund the software through various grants with the Governors Highway Safety Office.
The technology is not a completely novel concept. Predictive analytics have played a role in police offices before, but very few are designed to take traffic patterns into consideration. This program focuses specifically on reducing the risk of car accidents by providing officers with information on when and where serious crashes are most likely to occur. Analysts input data like weather patterns and local festivities and the program provides an estimated time and location for areas that are at highest risk of these accidents. Patrollers can then decide how to station officers and work to stop these accidents or provide prompt assistance.
Unfortunately, even when every safety measure is taken accidents can happen. For those who are injured by the reckless or negligent act of another driver, compensation is likely available to help cover the costs associated with the crash. As a result, victims should contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss their case and help better ensure their legal rights and any potential remedies are protected.
Source: Government Technology, “Software Predicts When, Where Accidents Occur on Tennessee Highways,” Shelly Bradbury, August 4, 2014
