This project was the first in a series of projects to implement the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The research conducted under this project summarized the current activities and plans for each of the 22 emphasis areas included in the AASHTO plan. The information has been synthesized and included on the AASHTO website ( https://safety.transportation.org/ ). Efforts to implement the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan continue under NCHRP Projects 17-18(02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, and 08).

During the summer of 1997, the Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety (SCOHTS) completed a Strategic Plan for Highway Safety. This plan was developed by the committee with the help of many safety professionals representing a diverse set of perspectives. This plan outlined 22 areas where it was believed that the greatest impact could be made to improve highway safety. It is believed that implementing the plan can reduce highway fatalities by 5,000 to 7,000 persons annually. The AASHTO Board of Directors endorsed this plan in December 1997, and the plan is consistent with the stated objectives of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The need existed to expedite the implementation of the plan.