Which of the following is typically the first step in a data-driven safety management process?

The first step in a data-driven safety management process is typically network screening. This process involves analyzing the road network to identify locations with a high incidence of crashes or safety issues. The purpose of network screening is to prioritize areas that require immediate attention and interventions based on empirical data. By using various data sources such as crash data, traffic volume, and site characteristics, practitioners can effectively pinpoint where the greatest safety concerns lie.

Starting with network screening allows for a systematic approach to enhancing road safety, ensuring that subsequent steps—such as countermeasure selection, economic appraisal, and project prioritization—are focused on the most critical and potentially hazardous locations. This prioritization is essential for allocating resources efficiently and effectively, thereby maximizing the impact of safety interventions on reducing accidents and injuries.