Best Traffic Count Insights: Top 20 Government Sources

What is Traffic Counting and Why is it Important for Transportation?

Traffic counting is the process of collecting data on the number of vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists passing a certain point. This data is crucial for urban planning, safety analysis, and environmental impact studies. Reliable traffic count data allows authorities to make informed decisions on infrastructure development, road safety improvements, and the optimization of traffic signals.
Top 20 best government sources for traffic count insights provide essential data used to:

• Design safer roadways
• Plan infrastructure development
• Optimize traffic signals
• Manage environmental impacts

Understanding traffic count insights helps policymakers make informed decisions that shape urban development, reduce congestion, and improve road safety.

Types of Traffic Counts: Vehicle, Pedestrian, and More

Government agencies often classify traffic counts into several types to understand different aspects of traffic flow:

• Vehicle Counts: This includes counts of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles on roads and highways.
• Pedestrian Counts: Monitoring pedestrian traffic is essential for ensuring safety in urban and high-footfall areas.
• Intersection Turning Movement Counts: This type of count tracks the number of vehicles turning at intersections to help optimize signal timing.
• Parking Counts: These counts measure the availability and usage of parking spaces, which is crucial for urban development.

These top 20 best government sources for traffic count insights often report on all these types of data to help guide infrastructure improvements and policy decisions.

Key Uses of Traffic Count Data Insights in Urban Planning and Safety

Government agencies rely heavily on traffic count data to plan transportation networks and improve safety. Traffic counts are used for:

• Urban Planning: Traffic count insights data helps cities plan future developments, including road construction and the expansion of public transport systems.
• Safety Analysis: High volumes of traffic in certain areas may indicate a higher risk of accidents. Traffic count data helps authorities pinpoint these high-risk zones.
• Environmental Impact Studies: Traffic count insights data can be used to assess the environmental impact of transportation systems, such as emissions from vehicles.
• Policy Formulation: Reliable traffic data informs policymakers about the effectiveness of current laws and helps create new traffic management policies.

Using top 20 best government sources for traffic count insights, agencies can effectively analyze traffic trends, anticipate future needs, and optimize road safety.

Best Traffic Count Insights: Top 20 Government Sources

Here’s a list of top 20 best government sources for traffic count insights that provide high-quality traffic data and insights:

1. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – A Key Resource for Traffic Counts Insights

Website: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
The FHWA is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation and focuses on ensuring the safety, performance, and sustainability of the nation’s highways. Additionally, it provides comprehensive traffic data, performance metrics, and analysis tools related to the U.S. highway system. Key resources include:

Features

• Safety Programs: The administration supports traffic safety initiatives, providing data on accident trends and helping to shape national safety policies.
• Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS): Collects and analyzes traffic and roadway data nationwide, offering insights into highway usage and conditions.
• Traffic Volume and Vehicle Classification: Offers data on vehicle counts and classifications across different regions, assisting in transportation planning, traffic forecasting, and infrastructure development.
• Research and Technical Assistance: The FHWA provides best practices and recommendations on traffic flow, congestion management, and highway design.

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Traffic Count Insights for Road Safety

Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
NHTSA is focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities and improving road safety across the United States. Furthermore, it provides essential data related to traffic safety and crash investigations, including:

Features

• Traffic Safety Programs: They promote programs to reduce drunk driving, distracted driving, and other hazardous driving behaviors.
• Crash Data: NHTSA offers detailed crash reports and accident statistics, critical for understanding the causes of road accidents and planning safety improvements.
• Vehicle Safety and Compliance: The administration monitors vehicle safety standards, including recalls, crash tests, and safety features that affect traffic flow and road safety.
• Driver Behavior Data: NHTSA tracks trends in driver behavior, such as speeding, impaired driving, and seat belt usage, which are essential for policy-making and safety campaign development.

3. US Department of Transportation (USDOT) – Comprehensive Traffic Data and Insights

Website: https://www.transportation.gov/
USDOT oversees all aspects of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including highways, rail, aviation, and maritime. Moreover, it serves as a central hub for national transportation data, offering resources like:

Features

• Transportation Safety and Policy: USDOT develops regulations and policies related to traffic safety, environmental impact, and transportation innovation.
• Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS): Provides extensive data on traffic patterns, congestion, and transportation systems across the U.S. Key metrics include vehicle miles traveled (VMT), traffic volume trends, and transportation economics.
• Traffic Flow Analysis: USDOT offers tools for analyzing traffic flow and congestion, helping urban planners, engineers, and policymakers develop strategies for optimizing traffic systems.
• Multimodal Transportation: The department also covers data on rail, public transportation, and air traffic, supporting a broader understanding of transportation dynamics.

4. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – Real-time Traffic Count Data for Planning

Website: https://dot.ca.gov/
Caltrans is responsible for maintaining and improving California’s extensive transportation infrastructure. In addition, it is a vital resource for traffic volume data and real-time highway conditions in the state. Notable features include:

Features

• Safety Data: The department focuses on road safety, offering data on accidents, safety initiatives, and public safety programs to reduce fatalities and injuries.
• Traffic Volume Data: Caltrans provides detailed traffic count data, showing the number of vehicles traveling on California’s highways, including annual reports and real-time data.
• Real-Time Traffic Conditions: The website features live traffic cameras, real-time traffic conditions, and congestion reports, helping commuters and planners make informed decisions.
• Traffic Management Tools: Caltrans offers tools for planning infrastructure projects, analyzing traffic volumes, and optimizing road use across the state’s urban and rural areas.

5. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Website: https://www.txdot.gov/
TxDOT manages Texas’ vast network of roads and highways, providing traffic monitoring data, planning resources, and analysis tools. Additionally, key features include:

Features

• Public Safety Initiatives: TxDOT is heavily involved in safety programs, offering data on accidents, impaired driving, and other traffic-related safety concerns.
• Traffic Count Reports: TxDOT publishes annual and real-time traffic data, including vehicle counts, congestion levels, and transportation trends.
• Road Condition Data: The department provides real-time updates on road conditions, including construction, detours, and incidents that affect traffic flow.
• Infrastructure Planning: TxDOT helps guide infrastructure development by offering detailed traffic analysis for highway expansion, intersection designs, and road safety measures.

6. New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)

Website: https://www.dot.ny.gov/
NYSDOT oversees the design, maintenance, and planning of New York’s transportation system. Moreover, it provides valuable traffic data to support infrastructure improvements and urban planning efforts. Features include:

Features

• Safety Data and Analysis: The department focuses on traffic safety, providing data and reports on accident trends, pedestrian traffic, and overall safety program effectiveness.
• Traffic Data Reports: The department shares traffic counts for different regions, including annual average daily traffic (AADT) data for major roadways and intersections.
• Traffic Management Systems: NYSDOT offers tools for managing congestion and improving traffic flow through smart technologies and real-time data updates.
• Infrastructure Development: Provides insights into highway construction, road expansions, and safety improvements across the state.

7. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Website: https://www.fdot.gov/
FDOT is dedicated to improving and maintaining Florida’s roadways and ensuring safe, efficient travel. Additionally, its traffic data resources are crucial for both urban and rural planning. Features include:

Features

• Safety Analysis: Provides data on road safety, traffic-related injuries, and fatalities, along with initiatives to improve Florida’s road safety.
• Traffic Data Tools: FDOT provides tools for analyzing traffic volumes, including data for urban areas like Miami and Orlando, as well as rural regions.
• Roadway Improvement Programs: The department offers information on infrastructure projects, including road expansions, new bridges, and traffic control systems.
• Real-Time Traffic Updates: FDOT offers real-time traffic updates for commuters, including road closures, accidents, and construction zones.

8. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Website: https://www.virginiadot.org/
VDOT is responsible for the transportation infrastructure in Virginia, including the planning and maintenance of highways, roads, and bridges. Furthermore, it provides valuable traffic data for planners and policymakers. Features include:

Features

• Transportation Planning Resources: VDOT provides insights into transportation planning, including trends in population growth and transportation demand.
• Traffic Volume Reports: VDOT offers traffic count data, providing detailed information about traffic flow, congestion points, and daily vehicle counts.
• Safety Data: The department focuses on accident data and safety improvements, helping to develop strategies for reducing fatalities and injuries on Virginia’s roads.
• Interactive Traffic Maps: VDOT provides interactive maps showing real-time traffic conditions, road closures, and ongoing construction projects.

9. Transport Canada

Website: https://tc.canada.ca/
Transport Canada plays a vital role in overseeing the country’s transportation policies and infrastructure. Moreover, it provides essential traffic data for national transportation planning. Features include:

Features

• Research and Analysis: The department conducts research on transportation trends, congestion, and future traffic needs to guide national planning efforts.
• National Traffic Data: Transport Canada provides data on vehicle traffic volumes, safety statistics, and infrastructure projects across Canada.
• Sustainability and Safety: The agency focuses on sustainable transportation and road safety initiatives, providing insights into environmental impacts and traffic-related fatalities.

10. Highways England

Website: https://www.nationalhighways.co.uk/
Highways England is responsible for maintaining and operating the motorways and major roads in England. Additionally, it provides key traffic data to support road management and policy decisions. Features include:

Features

• Safety Data: Highways England provides safety statistics, including accident rates and details of safety initiatives to reduce road fatalities.
• Real-Time Traffic Data: The website provides live traffic conditions, including information on accidents, congestion, and incidents affecting traffic.
• Traffic Volume Reports: Highways England publishes annual reports on traffic volume, vehicle classifications, and road usage across England.
• Road Improvement Projects: The website offers details on ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving road capacity and reducing congestion.

11. Australian Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE)

Website: https://www.bitre.gov.au/
BITRE is a key Australian government agency that provides transport data, research, and analysis to support transportation policy and infrastructure planning. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in informing decision-making for transportation development across the country.

Features

• Public Access to Data: BITRE publishes key reports and statistical yearbooks, providing valuable data and analysis to the public, researchers, and policymakers.
• Transport Data: BITRE offers comprehensive data on Australian road, rail, air, and maritime transport, including vehicle counts, freight movement, and passenger flow.
• Research and Forecasting: The bureau conducts in-depth research and develops models to forecast future transport demand and infrastructure needs.
• Policy Support: BITRE plays a pivotal role in shaping transport policy, providing data-driven insights for infrastructure projects and safety improvements.

12. European Commission – Mobility and Transport

Website: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) is responsible for the development of EU transportation policy, including the provision of transport data and insights to support sustainable and efficient mobility across Europe. Additionally, DG MOVE plays a central role in shaping strategies to enhance mobility and reduce environmental impacts within the EU.

Features

• Research and Policy Tools: The European Commission provides access to various tools and datasets to aid in the planning and implementation of transportation infrastructure projects across the EU.
• Traffic Flow Data: DG MOVE provides data on transport flows, including road traffic, freight movement, and public transport usage across EU member states.
• Sustainable Transport Policies: The commission promotes sustainable mobility by offering data and analysis related to environmental impact, emissions, and climate change in transport systems.
• EU-Wide Transport Trends: The platform offers insights into trends in transport across Europe, focusing on safety, efficiency, and multimodal transport integration.

13. New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)

Website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
NZTA is responsible for the planning, funding, and maintenance of New Zealand’s transport network. Additionally, it provides comprehensive traffic data and insights to improve the country’s transportation systems, supporting better decision-making for infrastructure development and management.

Features

• Guidance for Infrastructure Projects: The agency provides valuable information and resources for infrastructure development, including reports on road network usage and transportation trends across the country.
• Traffic Flow Reports: NZTA offers real-time data on traffic volumes, congestion, and flow across major highways and urban areas in New Zealand.
• Infrastructure Monitoring: The agency provides detailed data on the condition and usage of roads, bridges, and tunnels across New Zealand, supporting maintenance and upgrades.
• Traffic Monitoring Tools: NZTA offers tools for monitoring vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which aid in traffic management, planning, and road safety assessments.

14. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

Website: https://www.codot.gov/
CDOT is responsible for maintaining and improving Colorado’s transportation system. It provides key data for traffic management, safety, and infrastructure planning. Notable features include:

Features

• Traffic Count Reports: CDOT provides detailed reports on traffic volumes and classifications for highways and major roads across Colorado.
• Real-Time Traffic Information: The department offers live updates on road conditions, construction zones, and traffic incidents affecting travel.
• Safety and Incident Reports: CDOT maintains a statistics database of traffic crashes, safety reports, and other information that support safety enhancement initiatives in reducing traffic crashes.
• Planning and Infrastructure Tools: CDOT provides planning resources to support decisions regarding road expansion, traffic flow management, transportation infrastructure, and so on.

15. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

Website: https://idot.illinois.gov/
IDOT is responsible for overseeing the state’s transportation network, including the planning and development of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Additionally, it provides critical data for transportation management. Key aspects include:

Features

• Traffic Safety and Incident Reports: The department tracks and analyzes traffic accidents and fatalities, providing data to inform safety programs and improve public awareness.
• Traffic Data Reports: IDOT provides traffic count reports and data on vehicle classifications for major roads and highways in Illinois.
• Real-Time Traffic Updates: The website includes real-time information on traffic flow, construction zones, accidents, and detours.
• Planning and Policy Resources: IDOT offers valuable insights into transportation planning, helping to guide infrastructure development and improvements in road safety.

16. Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/
MnDOT is responsible for planning, designing, building, and maintaining the transportation system in Minnesota. Moreover, it provides vital data and resources for managing traffic, improving road safety, and optimizing transportation networks.

Features

• Transportation Planning Resources: MnDOT supports long-term planning efforts with traffic trend analysis, multimodal transportation options, and projections for future transportation needs.
• Traffic and Pedestrian Count Reports: MnDOT offers detailed reports on vehicle and pedestrian traffic counts, enabling better planning for infrastructure and transportation safety.
• Intersection Analysis Tools: MnDOT provides tools and resources for analyzing traffic flow at intersections, helping to identify areas for improvement and congestion relief.
• Real-Time Traffic Updates: MnDOT provides live traffic condition reports, including road closures, accidents, and traffic speed data, to support drivers and transportation planners.

17. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

Website: https://wsdot.wa.gov/
DDOT oversees transportation systems in the District of Columbia, focusing on traffic safety, infrastructure, and multimodal transportation options. Additionally, key features include:

Features

• Urban Mobility Solutions: The department focuses on improving urban mobility, offering data and planning tools for public transportation, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Traffic Volume Data: DDOT provides data on vehicle counts, congestion, and traffic flow within the D.C. metropolitan area.
• Real-Time Traffic Conditions: The department offers live updates on traffic conditions, road closures, incidents, and detours within the district.
• Safety and Planning Resources: DDOT tracks accident data and promotes initiatives to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.

18. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Website: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/
ODOT is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Ohio’s transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and other transportation systems. Furthermore, the department provides a wealth of data for traffic management and road safety, supporting informed decision-making for infrastructure development and improvement.

Features

• Public Resources and Tools: The department offers interactive maps, dashboards, and public resources that allow users to access traffic data and track ongoing transportation projects in the state.
• Traffic Volume Reports: ODOT provides traffic count data, including vehicle volumes and traffic flow patterns, to assist in planning transportation projects and managing road networks.
• Highway Condition Data: The department offers detailed reports on road conditions, including real-time updates on traffic congestion, accidents, and detours to ensure safe travel.
• Infrastructure Planning and Management: ODOT supports long-term transportation planning by providing insights into traffic patterns, accident data, and infrastructure performance across Ohio’s roadways.

19. Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot
MDOT is responsible for overseeing the development, maintenance, and operation of Michigan’s transportation system. Additionally, the department provides essential traffic and infrastructure data to support planning, safety initiatives, and environmental sustainability.

Features

• Environmental Planning: The department integrates traffic data with environmental studies to assess and mitigate the environmental impact of transportation activities, supporting Michigan’s sustainability goals.
• Traffic Count Data: MDOT offers comprehensive vehicle and pedestrian traffic count data, which is crucial for transportation planning, road safety assessments, and infrastructure improvements.
• Infrastructure and Roadway Conditions: The department provides detailed information on the condition of Michigan’s highways and roadways, including maintenance schedules, closures, and updates on ongoing projects.
• Safety Data and Analysis: MDOT tracks accident data, identifies high-risk areas, and uses traffic data to inform safety programs aimed at reducing accidents and improving roadway safety across Michigan.

20. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)

Website: https://wisconsindot.gov/
WisDOT is tasked with managing Wisconsin’s transportation system, providing traffic data, and ensuring safe and efficient transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, the department offers critical data for urban planning, environmental assessments, and safety improvements.

Features

• Urban and Rural Planning: The department uses traffic data to support both urban and rural transportation planning, helping optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve road safety across Wisconsin.
• Traffic Count Data: WisDOT provides detailed vehicle and pedestrian traffic counts, including turning movement counts and vehicle classification data, crucial for traffic analysis and infrastructure development.
• Real-Time Traffic Information: The department offers real-time traffic condition updates, including incidents, delays, and road closures across Wisconsin, helping travelers make informed decisions.
• Roadway Conditions and Maintenance: WisDOT provides information on road conditions, construction schedules, and maintenance activities, ensuring safe and efficient travel across the state.

How to Use Traffic Count Insights Data for Forecasting and Urban Development

Using traffic count data could assist cities in predicting patterns for future traffic, planning new infrastructures, and optimizing available roadways. Furthermore, urban planners can utilize such data to make evidence-based decisions that enhance not only the safety but also the efficiency of transportation systems.

Final Thoughts on Leveraging Government Traffic Count Insights Data for Better Infrastructure

Government traffic count data is essential for making informed decisions regarding transportation systems. Moreover, whether it is in terms of urban planning, enhancing road safety, or determining environmental impacts, traffic count data ensures that authorities can create safer and more efficient transportation networks. With insights from top government sources, cities can plan better for the future.