Consultants questioned for relying on UC Berkeley data in collision analysis

During a recent meeting of the South Pasadena Public Works Infrastructure Commission, significant concerns were raised regarding the data used by the consulting firm Minnegar and Associates in their analysis of traffic collision rates. The discussion highlighted discrepancies between the data sources, particularly the reliance on the UC Berkeley Transportation Injury and Monitoring System (TIMSS), which only accounts for injury collisions, as opposed to all collisions.

Commission members expressed skepticism about the validity of using TIMSS data for engineering decisions, citing a disclaimer from UC Berkeley that warns against relying on their data for such purposes. This raises questions about the defensibility of the conclusions drawn by Minnegar and Associates, as the analysis may not accurately reflect the broader collision landscape in South Pasadena.

One commissioner emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach, suggesting that the firm should utilize local police records or the statewide integrated traffic record system instead of the limited TIMSS data. This recommendation aims to ensure that the analysis is based on a complete set of collision data, which includes both injury and property damage incidents.

The commission agreed on the importance of verifying the data sources used in the analysis and committed to following up with Minnegar and Associates to clarify their methodology. The outcome of this inquiry could significantly impact future traffic safety measures and engineering decisions in South Pasadena, underscoring the necessity for accurate and reliable data in public works planning.