usRAP United States Road Assessment ProgramRisk Mapping + Star Ratings

January 29, 2009

Imagine a day when…• State and local authorities allocate

resources based on real world risks• Safety conscious consumers who

purchase 5-star cars can identify and choose to drive on 5-star roads

• A motorist will get a map or program their in-vehicle navigation system that shows the safest route from A to B

usRAP Advisory Board

• AASHTO• AHU and RSF• ATSSA• Auto Clubs• FHWA• ITE• NACE• State and local highway agencies

EuroRAPdeveloped by European motoring clubs

to evaluate the safety of roads using two methods:

a synthesis of available crash statistics summarized by crash location

a road safety review based on the design features of specific roadway sections.

AusRAPAustralia. The results of both EuroRAP

and AusRAP have been presented in the form of risk raps and star rating maps of the roadway system.

usRAP Pilots

• Initiated in 2004• Phase I – published in 2006; Iowa

and Michigan• Phase II – Florida and New Jersey• Phase III – Utah, Illinois, New Mexico,

Kentucky, plus RPS validation• Pilot budget – about $1.4 million

spent or budgeted – majority from AAA

usRAP Objectives• Cut death and serious injury rates

through systematic risk assessment

• Ensure that strategic decisions are based on risk assessment

• Forge partnerships among those responsible for a safe road system

usRAP Objectives

• Better information and guidance for motorists

• Improve crash data record systems

• Increase investment in road safety

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 roads

What’s in it for road agencies?• Support statewide highway safety

plans• Implement and supplement ongoing

road safety programs• New analysis tools• New perspectives on road safety

problems• Assist w/performance metrics

Thank you for your attention!Thank you for your attention!

Now we’ll get to the part of the programNow we’ll get to the part of the program you are probably most interested in…you are probably most interested in…