The Trendline manual for data collection and analysis of road safety performance indicators

• Van den Berghe W.
• Ambros J.
• Elgner J.

PART A: GENERAL FRAMEWORK
1 Introduction
2 What are Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs)?
3 Terminology and definitions
4 Using SPIs

PART B – BEHAVIOURAL SPIs
5 Introduction to behavioural SPIs
6 Sampling strategy for behavioural SPIs
7 Fieldwork: data collection and data recording
8 Data analysis for behavioural SPIs
9 Using self-reported data for SPIs
10 SPIs for speeding
11 SPIs for restraint systems (seat belts and CRS)
12 SPIs for helmet use
13 SPIs for distraction (by a handheld mobile device)
14 SPIs for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
15 SPIs for compliance at pedestrian crossings and intersections
16 SPIs on use of lighting by cyclists in the dark

PART C – DATABASE-BASED SPIs
17 Common framework for database-based SPIs
18 SPIs for infrastructure safety
19 SPIs on 30 km/h roads in urban areas
20 SPIs for vehicle safety
21 SPIs for post-crash care
22 SPIs for enforcement of traffic regulations

PART D: IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE
23 Planning and managing an SPI study
REFERENCES

APPENDICES
Appendix A — Data templates and guidance
Appendix B – Worked out example
Appendix C – Checklists
Appendix D — Frequently asked questions for field observers
Appendix E – Equipment specifications

The Trendline programme is co-funded by the European Union; the authors are grateful to the European Commission for its support throughout the programme.
This manual builds on the work of the whole Trendline and Baseline communities, involving over 200 people across Europe. The au-thors thank the national data collection teams, the members of the KPI Expert Groups, and the partner organisations of the Trendline consortium for the involvement in the development and application of the methodological guidelines, the pilot studies and the prac-tical experience on which this manual is based.

ISBN 978-80-88583-01-1 (Online; pdf)

2026