Course Description:

This course provides comprehensive training for individuals and teams preparing data for the U.S. Road Assessment Program (usRAP). As a foundational step in any usRAP project, accurate road attribute coding is essential for generating star ratings and Safer Roads Investment Plans using the ViDA software platform.

Participants will be introduced to the usRAP Coding Manual and coding tool and receive detailed instructions on identifying and coding over 50 roadway attributes. The course emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and quality control throughout the data preparation process. It is also highly recommended for supervisors overseeing coding teams.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Recognize the importance of the usRAP star ratings and safer roads investment plans
• Illustrate the major stages in the usRAP data coding and analysis process
• Recall the coding procedures to ensure a high level of accuracy in the data
• Find the different roadway attributes in the usRAP Coding Manual
• Assign a specific code and post code to each attribute present in a set of data

Topics Covered:

• Overview of the usRAP data coding process
• Stages of coding and data processing
• Coding tools, documentation, and quality control
• Roadway attribute categories: location, cross-section, alignment, roadside, intersections, flow, speed, land use, and vulnerable road user facilities
• Post-coding attributes and data file preparation
• Introduction to ViDA software

Intended Audience:
This course is designed for individuals selected to serve as coders on new or ongoing usRAP projects and supervisors responsible for managing coding teams. Participants may include students, technicians, consultants, or others with an interest in transportation safety. While no prior experience is required, a background in traffic engineering or a related field may be helpful.

Course Procedures:
The course begins upon registration and must be completed within 60 days. It is self-paced and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. Learners will engage with video presentations, handouts, and learning activities. Four assessments are included in Module 5, each requiring a score of 80% or higher to earn PDH (CEU) credit. Learners have up to three attempts per assessment.

Course Materials:
All materials, including the usRAP Coding Manual (PDF), video lectures, and downloadable handouts, are provided. No additional textbooks are required.

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For questions, contact Bruce Hamilton at brucehamilton@roadwaysafety.org