MPC
Research Projects (2008-09)

Project Title

2nd Division Drive Safe: Regional Rural Transportation Safety Conference

University

North Dakota State University

Project Investigator

Kimberly Vachal, UGPTI

Description of Project Abstract

Creating a safer transportation system is a strategic goal of the U.S. Department of Transportation and many state transportation agencies. Safe travel and secure transportation are essential public services that are influenced by a wide array of policies and individual choices. Yet, in comparison to many other developed nations the U.S. lags in its efforts to ensure a safe driving environment (Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development, 2006). In addition, local food contamination episodes and global terrorist events have resulted in an enhanced stature of security in personal and freight mobility.

The rural U.S. plays a significant role in furthering transportation safety and security for the nation as a whole. Rural road traffic safety has been identified as a target area for U.S. traffic safety (The Road Information Program, 2005; U.S. Department of Transportation, 2005). Programs such as the FHWA High Risk Rural Roads (HR3) program are designed to focus data collection, evaluation, and engineering improvements on dangerous and oft neglected types of rural roadways. In addition, NHTSA offers several programs to promote rural roads safety through education and policy initiatives such as local Safe Communities traffic safety coalitions and efforts surrounding primary seatbelt legislation. Transportation safety issues for rural areas are associated with commercial vehicles and hazardous materials movements.

The previous conference attracted over 120 participants from eight states. This second conference has been developed based on current safety priorities and suggestions from conference participants. A new feature for this conference will be workshops designed to highlight regional safety topics.

Project Objective

The goal of this project is to provide a forum for the presentation of ideas and an exchange of knowledge regarding rural traffic safety and security among a diverse audience to include industry, policy makers, academia, and public sector stakeholders. Within this goal, a conference event will be developed in cooperation with four state Departments of Transportation, including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. An overarching theme for the conference is proposed as “Vision Drive Safe.” The final theme, critical issues, and specific sessions have been drafted in the preliminary agenda, will be defined in cooperation with stakeholder partners.

Project Approach/Methods

The conference will provide a venue for multi-state exposure to overarching national initiatives along with focused discussions on human factors, roadway characteristics, and enforcement in traffic safety; along with transportation security issues such as critical infrastructure, hazardous materials issues, and disaster planning and operations. An initial conference draft program is attached as an Appendix. Given the prominent role that the public sector plays in the 4E’s, this event will provide a valuable platform for peer-learning and innovative idea exchange that contribute to safe and secure transportation in rural areas.

MPC Critical Issues Addressed by the Research

1. High-Risk Rural Roads.
2. Effective Safety Management.
3. Human Factors.
4. Low-Cost Safety Improvements.

Contributions/Potential Applications of Research

Discussions among researchers, policy makers, and practitioners will offer insight for each of these groups in prioritizing activities, defining strategies, setting agendas, and pooling resources for effective and efficient delivery of traffic safety programs.

Technology Transfer Activities

Research priorities and information needs identifies through this conference would be of interest to other rural states that need to deal with efficiently creating an integrated approach to implementing new traffic safety initiatives.

Time Duration

July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009

Total Project Cost

$35,600

MPC Funds Requested

$17,800

TRB Keywords

Safety, rural transportation, community action plans, occupant protection, safe driving, behaviors

References

1. The Road Information Program, 2005, Growing Traffic in Rural America: Safety, Mobility, and Economic Challenge’s in America’s Heartland, Washington, D.C.
2. U.S. Department of Transportation, 2005, Contrasting Rural and Urban Fatal Crashes, 1994 to 2003, Technical Report DOT HS 809 896, December 2005.