Federal Research Projects

The objectives of this research are to (1) develop an understanding of the effects of speed camera programs on pedestrian and bicycle crashes, and (2) provide guidance for jurisdictions to measure effects of speed camera programs on pedestrian and bicycle crashes, including downstream effects beyond speed camera locations. The research should consider fine structures, payment of fines, and in which contexts speed cameras may be most effective. Findings can be used states and jurisdictions (1) to help decide if and where to implement speed cameras most effectively to target vulnerable road user crashes and (2) to communicate the benefits of speed cameras to the public.

This research will explore the barriers faced by law enforcement in managing micromobility-related incidents and develop actionable recommendations to improve enforcement practices, investigation protocols, and interagency collaboration.

The objective of this research is to develop and refine a methodology for evaluating behavioral countermeasures, evaluate behavioral countermeasures with existing effectiveness studies, such as those with five stars in Countermeasures That Work, to develop CMFs for these countermeasures, review state best practices for analyzing the effectiveness of behavioral countermeasures to identify promising analytic methods including inferential statistics and modeling, evaluate the feasibility of applying the CMF rating methodology outlined in NCHRP Project 17-72 “Update of Crash Modification Factors for the Highway Safety Manual”, OR a modified version of the 17-72 rating methodology that considers factors limited to behavioral countermeasures, and explore the feasibility of including behavioral countermeasures in the FHWA CMF Clearinghouse, including potential changes that may need to be made to the Clearinghouse system structure, and unique guidance and training necessary to instruct users on how to apply behavioral CMFs.

The objective of this research is to identify causal factors associated with higher crash risk among young drivers that delay licensure until age 18+ and the effectiveness of driver training and-or GDL requirements in reducing this risk. To support this objective, the selected research agency will (1) conduct a broad national study of causal crash factors associated with higher crash risk and (2) conduct a scoping study for evaluating driver education and/or GDL requirements for a potential follow-on research effort.

The objective of this research is to determine the accuracy of the FARS estimate that 40 percent of motor vehicle fatalities were alive at the scene by reviewing a sample of motor vehicle fatalities who did not die at the scene to determine if improved interventions, such as the availability of pre-hospital care options, blood products, and improved response times would improve survivability.

Project Complete: The analysis considered changes in driver behavior and subsequent crash risk, and includes recommendations/strategies for improving teen driver safety.

Project Underway: The objectives of this research are to conduct a comprehensive assessment of automated traffic law enforcement to assist in the public policy discussion of the future of traffic enforcement across the nation and develop a toolkit for state highway safety offices and other stakeholders.

Project Underway: The objective of this research is to provide public policy guidance for decision makers on the role of law enforcement in traffic safety enforcement.

Project Underway: The objectives of this research are to identify resources that utilize countermeasures proven most effective in raising awareness of the risk of motor vehicle crashes both on and off the job and provide actionable program tools.

Project Underway: The objectives of this research are to develop an improved understanding of the scope of the “last mile” problem in multimodal environments, explore what could be altered to change driver behavior and develop a toolkit of practical strategies.

Project Underway: The objectives of this research are to 1) understand the current state of practice and legal nuances that differ among jurisdictions and 2) develop a toolkit of practical strategies for SHSOs and other stakeholders to effectively communicate the goals of implementation and requirements for drivers to realize safety improvements.

Project Underway: The objective of this research is to provide actionable data for states to optimize the supervised driving requirement to ensure it creates safer teen drivers and reduces the crash risk for this vulnerable age group.