Characteristics of State Data Linkage Systems

In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a joint study to increase knowledge about state data linkage systems*, including NHTSA’s Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES).

Twenty-five states with linkage programs integrating crash data with medical injury data were surveyed about their programs and nineteen participated in follow-up focus groups. The study also evaluated State Traffic Record Assessments and other secondary sources. Analysis of the data collections resulted in facilitators and barriers to successful linkage programs.

 

*Data linkage systems link crash report data to medical data.