What is STATS19?
STATS19 is the primary dataset used for road casualty statistics in the UK, capturing personal injury collisions reported to the police. This vital system has been at the core of road safety insights for decades, helping identify high-risk locations, trends, and key factors in road traffic incidents.
Regularly reviewed to reflect changing transport trends and technological advancements, the most recent STATS19 update began in 2018, with recommendations published in 2021. The rollout of the 2024 specification began in late 2023 in some police force areas.
As one of the longest-running road traffic data systems globally, STATS19 enables consistent analysis of road safety trends over decades, providing invaluable data for policymakers and researchers alike.
Key Changes in the 2024 Specification
The updated STATS19 includes several significant changes designed to improve the quality and relevance of road safety data:
· Injury-based reporting to better categorize and analyse the severity of incidents.
· New road safety factors introduced for enhanced reporting.
· Additional data collection on seatbelt use and cycle helmet use.
· Personal powered transporters added as a new vehicle category.
· Consistent journey purpose coding aligned with the National Travel Survey.
· Streamlined variables such as combining pedestrian crossing and carriageway conditions.
These updates aim to provide more comprehensive and actionable insights into road safety.
Overcoming Challenges: What TRL Software Did
Adapting to the new STATS19 specification is no small feat, given the complexity of the changes and the need to maintain data consistency across decades of historical records. Here’s how TRL Software tackled the transition:
Mapping the Changes
We created a detailed mapping document to compare the old and new STATS19 versions, identifying all variable changes and their implications.
Collaborative Discussions
Engaging directly with our customers, we conducted in-depth discussions about the changes to understand their business needs and develop tailored solutions.
Preserving Historical Data
Our solution ensures that historical data remains unaffected, enabling seamless analysis of both past and future datasets.
System Rollout
The updated iMAAP system now fully supports the 2024 STATS19 specification, delivering a reliable and user-friendly experience.
Benefits of the Updated iMAAP
The enhanced iMAAP platform offers numerous benefits for road safety professionals:
Unified Data Analysis: A single system for historical and new data, enabling consistent trend analysis.
Cost Efficiency: No upgrade fees for customers.
Simplified Management: Elimination of the need for multiple crash database versions.
Seamless Transition: No additional training or downtime required.
Full Functionality: All existing features and reports are fully compatible with the new specification.
Comprehensive Support: Continued support for road safety and STATS19 compliance.
Looking Ahead
As the STATS19 specification evolves, TRL Software remains committed to supporting our customers with cutting-edge solutions that simplify complex transitions. By ensuring iMAAP is always ahead of the curve, we empower road safety professionals to focus on what matters most: saving lives and reducing accidents.
For more information or to see how iMAAP can enhance your road safety initiatives, contact us at software@trl.co.uk
