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

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 usRAP Protocols

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

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