The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT current practices related to RSAs.

Information to be gathered includes (but is not limited to):  

• Frequency and quantity of DOT RSAs;
• Contexts for RSAs locations (rural, urban, corridors, intersections, interchanges, or state-owned vs. non-state-owned roadways);
• DOT decision-making factors and prioritization methods in selecting RSA locations (equity considerations, high rate of active transportation users, crash frequency, cost threshold, or projects considered for federal funding);
• Data used in identifying and conducting RSAs and any linkages or alignment with crash modification factors or safety performance functions;
• When DOTs conduct RSAs (stage/phase during the project development process such as planning or preliminary design);
• RSA types and methods completed (virtual, day/night, use of FHWA eight-step procedure see: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/rsa/guidelines/chapter4.htm);
• Characteristics of the team conducting the RSA, including
  • Members being representative of the community, the inclusion of all modal users, or transit agency staff,
  • Roles and responsibilities of RSA team members,
  • RSA team leader identification and what qualifications are required, and
  • DOT staff and partner training;
• How are RSAs funded;
• How DOTs implement RSA results, including
  • If the roadway owner is different than who is offering/conducting RSA,
  • Funding methods for improvements (Highway Safety Improvement Program, discretionary grants, or state funds);
• How DOTs measure RSA outcomes, including the use of after-action reviews or longitudinal analysis of crash frequency;
• Supporting materials developed by DOTs such as manuals, checklists, or procedures;
• DOT considerations of active transportation, micro-mobility, transit users, equity (environmental justice analysis or Justice 40), Safe System Approach, human factors, performance-based planning and programming, and new technologies (for example, LED lighting’s widespread adoption since 2003);
• Coordination practices with MPOs, tribal governments, and local organizations;
• Why state DOTs are not conducting RSAs and if there are barriers to utilizing RSAs, such as liability; and
• Research gaps related to RSAs.