1. MoDOT Highway Safety Manual Implementation
HSM development started over 10 years ago.
TRB was the lead. A few years ago AASHTO entered the process.
AASHTO approved the HSM late Publication is set for April 2010.
Missouri was a lead implementation state
PROMOTE VALUE of HSM
Ray Shank, PE
MoDOT Traffic Safety Engineer

4. The HSM summarizes best science and research in quantitative safety
Synthesis of previous research
New research commissioned by AASHTO and FHWA (peer reviewed through the National Academies)
 There are numerous publications, references and tools (some relatively new, others available) that can be used to address substantive safety.
The message is that highway engineers need to get familiar with this stuff and understand the implications

5. New Way of Thinking The HSM provides ‘substantive safety’ information
Safety does not increase/improve on a straight line. If safety was as easy as building a facility to a certain standard, we wouldn’t have any crashes.
Moneyball Reference?
The HSM provides ‘substantive safety’ information
Does the nominal safety model (‘meets the standards’) really help you make good decisions

6. Safety Performance Functions (SPF)
Mathematical model that estimates the expected average crash frequency for a base condition
 If the HSM doesn’t use crash rates, how does it work? Safety Performance Functions – Average Crash Frequency for a base condition.
3-6

7. OPS
BABIP
WAR
 Discuss Implementation Plan for MoDOT.

8. Location Severity Type
New Decision Making Tools
Baseball
Past Performance
Moneyball
AVG HR Runs RBIs
OPS BABIP WAR
Traffic Safety
HSM
Location Severity Type
SPFs CMFs
Basing Decisions on Past Performance (Chasing Crashes)
Now anticipate where crashes may occur and make improved assessment of the safety impacts
Moneyball – Advanced Statistics - Predict Individual or Team Success
AADT and Roadway Features
HSM – Predict Crashes for Individual or Group of Locations

9. J-Turns (RCUT) Tough Sell Not very glamorous
But extremely effective at reducing fatal crashes
Eric in SW informed me that more are on the way

10. The Value of the HSM to us at MoDOT
Provides a proven and vetted science-based approach to quantifying the safety effects of decisions we make and actions we contemplate
Provides a common knowledge base, language and basis for reasoned judgments about safety
Allows incorporation of safety to the same level of importance as other factors
 Discuss Implementation Plan for MoDOT.

11. What have we done? (Initial Steps)
Lead Implementation State
Implementation Team
Training
Policy
Technical Support
Provide Tools
HSM Spreadsheets and ISATe
HSM Implementation Pooled Funds Study
Data Driven Safety Analysis
Training (FHWA) – Increased Internal Understanding

12. Modeling Limitations Weather Demographics Reported Crashes (PDOs)
Assigning Intersection Crashes
 132 ft
Crash Report requirement dollar value ($500 or personal injury)
$1500 in Illinois

13. Calibration

14. New Tools in Development
SPICE – Safety Performance Intersection Control Evaluation
Roundabout SPF
TMS Data Zone Crash Prediction Tool
 network screening

15. Design Build for Safety
Franklin and St. Charles Counties
$24 Million
20 Different Safety Improvement
31 Locations
70 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Reduced over 10 years
Significant up front discussion with competing companies
Establishing the base network
Approving CMF
Review Effort

16. MoDOT Policy - Encouraged
EPG
Benefit / Cost Analysis
Prioritizing Projects – Maximizing Value
Ensuring Return on our Investment
Justifying Need – Non-Systemic Improvements
Comparing Design Alternatives
 B/C – Planners and TOEs
Justifying Need – Traffic Studies Specialists
Comparing Alternatives - Designers

17. MoDOT Policy - Required
EPG
Design Deviations
Lane Width, Shoulder Width/Type, Alignment, etc.
How do we weigh safety vs project costs or environmental issues or public concerns, etc.
Just because the HSM predicts something may have a in crashes does not mean those crashes will occur.
It’s all about managing risk
There are no guarantees for safety
Over 90% crashes related to some human error
4Ds
Crashes can happen anytime / anywhere
- Reduce risk of a crash occurring
- Reduce the severity of that crash

18. Decision Making
Especially as it relates to new access points. Adding Conflict Points (location where the potential for crashes exist) Driveway to a development or new Interchange
Guard Cable – More Crashes / Lower Severity
Guidance for Decision Makers, similar to LOS for operations, develop a LOSS (Level of Service for Safety)

19. YOU! Knowledge Experience
HSM is tool to aid decision making - Quantify Safety Improvement
Knowledge
Experience
Need for your knowledge and experience guiding your dedication
Effectively evaluate alternatives
Similar to HCM, Trip Gen, Other (WITH LIMITATIONS) to help our decision making process
This is just one tool
Collaborating with partners
Help us drive toward zero fatalities on Missouri’s roadways

20. Questions?