Transcript Document
usRAP Pilot Studies Douglas W. Harwood Midwest Research Institute TRB January 22, 2007 usRAP Objectives • Help cut death and serious injury rates through systematic risk assessment which identify major safety shortcomings amenable to practical remedy • Ensure that strategic decisions are linked to risk assessment • Forge partnerships among those responsible for a safe road system usRAP Pilot Studies • Phase I Initiated in 2004 • Pilot studies in Iowa & Michigan • First public release of findings in Spring 2006 • Phase II pilot studies currently underway usRAP Protocols • Risk Mapping maps of death and serious injury risk for road users • Road Protection Score star rating based on inspecting road features that protect users from serious injury or death • Performance Tracking comparisons of safety performance for roadway sections over time Scope of Phase I Pilot Project • Technical feasibility • Political feasibility • Pilot tests in Michigan and Iowa • Advisory panel meetings • Recommendations for implementation Risk Maps • Focus on rural road system State primary routes County primary roads • Homogeneous road segments • Segment length sufficient to provide meaningful results Types of Risk Maps • Map 1 – crash density (crashes/mi) • Map 2 – crash rate (crashes per 100 million veh-mi) • Map 3 – crash rate ratio • Map 4 – potential savings Types of Risk Maps • Other risk maps Economic losses due to crashes Intersection risk maps Applications for Risk Maps • Effective safety management by highway agencies • Better public understanding of highway safety needs • Influence motorist route choice • Influence motorist behavior on higher risk routes Applications for Risk Maps • Assist highway agencies in implementing new SAFETEA-LU programs: 5% criterion high-risk rural roads program statewide safety planning Star Ratings based on Road Protection Score • Identify differences in road design features related to crash protection features of the roadway • Provide star ratings based on inventories • More research needed to adapt EuroRAP and AusRAP tools to U.S. conditions Scope of Phase II Pilot Program • Expand pilot studies into additional states – Florida and New Jersey • Additional work in Michigan and Iowa – performance tracking • Coordinate with international efforts • Seek collaborators • Explore most appropriate communication strategies • Meet with usRAP advisory panel Performance Tracking • • • • Track changes in risk maps over time Demonstrate applications of risk maps Highlight improvements in safety Highlight recent safety improvement projects • Call attention to safety improvement needs Plans for Phase III • Additional pilot studies in three to five states • Further work with previous pilot study states • Further development of star rating/RPS methodology • Recommendation about national implementation Questions? For more information, please go to: www.aaafoundation.org