Transportation Expertise

Statistical Modeling and Analysis

SAS, SPSS, and SUDAAN are routinely used by UMTRI researchers to perform statistical modeling of injury risk and injury causation using NASS-CDS, CIREN, FARS, GES, CODES, and UMIVOR databases. Rigorous analyses of these databases are performed using appropriate statistical techniques and tools while considering the strengths and limitations of each database. Researchers specialize in statistical modeling of accident data based on complex sample surveys that include clustering, stratification, and weights. In addition, they have developed effective methods for handling missing exposure data. Other areas of expertise include Poisson/negative binomial regression models for handling extra variability often encountered in observational studies, statistical methods for rates, development of Bayesian hierarchical models based on output from Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation, and analysis of categorical and clustered categorical data typically found in transportation-related databases. Expertise in in-depth crash investigations, in the biomechanics of injury causation, and in occupant positioning provide UMTRI researchers with unique insight when interpreting results of these analyses.

Selected projects in this area:

Development of Improved Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Criteria
Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Investigator: Jonathan Rupp
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Peer Review of NHTSA Technical Reports
Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Investigator: Carol Flannagan
07/01/2007 - 10/01/2007

Evaluation of Pedestrian Injury Patterns
Sponsor: AAMA
Investigator: Kathleen DeSantis Klinich
05/01/2003 - 03/01/2004

Investigations of Crashes Involving Pregnant Occupants
Sponsor: General Motors
Investigator: Kathleen DeSantis Klinich
08/19/1996 - 03/31/1999

Abdominal and Pelvic Response and Injury Research
Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Investigator: Jonathan Rupp
02/01/2005 - 07/01/2008

Crash Investigations
Sponsor: AAMA
Investigator: Lawrence Schneider
01/01/1970 - 01/01/2007