The Association of Transportation Safety Information Professionals (ATSIP) honored Bob Scopatz, PhD, VHB Senior Transportation Analyst, with the Scott Falb Exceptional Service Award at its 2024 Traffic Record Forum this month in San Diego. The award, which holds significant personal and professional value to Bob, was presented as a tribute to his contributions in advancing traffic safety and improving traffic records across the U.S.
The award ceremony not only celebrated Bob's distinguished contributions, but also reinforced the enduring legacy of his friend, Scott Falb, inspiring continued excellence and innovation in traffic safety for years to come. The award's namesake was a revered figure in the field, noted for his ability to communicate the importance of data in shaping traffic safety. Bob is also highly regarded in the traffic safety community, and fondly recalls his friendship and professional association with Falb, noting Falb’s ability to make data accessible and impactful.
"Scott was a friend and colleague,” Bob said. “He taught us how to approach safety issues and data in ways that made it useful for decision-makers of any discipline. Scott's ability to put a human face on statistics and present them in a relatable manner made him a distinct figure in the traffic safety arena—I’m honored to receive this award named for him.”
With a career spanning four decades, Bob has contributed to substantial advancements in traffic safety. His career highlights at VHB include working with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on multiple updates to the Traffic Records Program Assessment Advisory, the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC), the revised Crash Data Improvement Program (CDIP), leading the GO Team technical assistance program, and instructor-led and web-based training for traffic records and safety professionals. For Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Bob has developed guidance and technical assistance on safety data integration, data business planning, and enterprise GIS for transportation (a new pooled-fund study).
He has worked extensively with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and private clients on safety-related issues in commercial motor vehicle transportation, including conducting early research into the use of large truck crash causation study data. He is the Secretary and past President of ATSIP, and a member of the inaugural class of the Roadway Safety Professional certification program.
ATSIP, an organization initially funded by NHTSA and primarily operated by volunteers, has been pivotal in Bob’s career. ATSIP serves as a crucial meeting place for specialists to exchange ideas and foster a network of professionals. Bob helped ATSIP transition into a 501(c)(3) with national leadership.
In concluding the award ceremony, Bob shared five key lessons from his extensive career in traffic safety, echoing the wisdom and spirit of Scott Falb. These lessons—emphasizing collaboration, persistence, preparedness, effective communication, and the value of learning from peers—serve as guiding principles for current and future leaders in the field at VHB and beyond.
To learn more about VHB’s transportation safety services, connect with Bob via Email or LinkedIn.
