The project developed a behavioral traffic safety countermeasure toolkit for highway safety partners involved with rural road safety to reduce the frequency and severity of motor vehicle crashes on roads in rural areas.
Status: Completed (published as BTSCRP Research Report 8 in August 2023)
The study responds to the need for practical tools that go beyond infrastructure improvements and support safer driving choices in rural communities.
The research identifies the behavioral factors that contribute to rural crashes and reviews the challenges faced by agencies that work in rural settings, including tribal authorities, local governments, law enforcement, emergency responders and engineers. It emphasizes the importance of strategies that are realistic for partners with different levels of traffic safety expertise.
The resulting toolkit provides accessible, ready‑to‑use countermeasures that support education, enforcement and community engagement. It is designed to help rural partners select and implement approaches that match local needs and resources.
Supplemental materials include a companion guide that offers additional detail and examples to support on‑the‑ground application.
This work supports state and local agencies, tribal governments and other partners responsible for improving safety on rural roads.