BACKGROUND

The Safe System (SS) approach is a holistic and comprehensive approach for addressing traffic safety for all road users, considering the elements of safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and post‐crash care. While state departments of transportations (DOTs) primarily focus on transportation infrastructure, the SS approach considers a shared responsibility among all transportation agencies and road users. State DOTs currently collaborate with a number of organizational stakeholders outside the highway and road infrastructure disciplines, such as planners, public safety officials, industry and professional organizations, academia, and advocacy groups. The SS approach involves all stakeholders considering the SS elements as a whole during the decision-making process, creating overlap that can help protect all users.  

To fully realize the benefits of each SS element, state DOTs must have the tools and mindset to effect the paradigm of change. This leadership awareness and buy-in will be critical to infuse SS practices throughout state DOT functions and the infrastructure project lifecycle. Well-articulated benefits of the SS approach and practical suggestions for implementation will ease the burden of SS implementation among state DOTs. Lastly, effective means of communicating SS benefits and successes to all stakeholders will be a significant contributor to the durability of an SS-oriented culture.   

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research are to (1) raise awareness among transportation agency leadership of the benefits of the SS approach, and (2) develop a toolkit of materials to implement, sustain, and institutionalize the SS approach throughout the stages of the infrastructure project lifecycle.

RESEARCH PLAN

Anticipated activities and deliverables may include but are not limited to the following: 

• PHASE I: Planning 
  • Identify communication strategies, technical guidelines, and other resources to be developed; this material should be based on current activities and available resources obtained from domestic and international sources
  • Develop project communications plan and materials for state DOT leadership
  • Develop toolkit plan; elements will include: 
    • Specific proposed products, including a communications plan and materials for state DOT leadership, a scalable state DOT implementation framework, and an external communications and engagement plan
    • State DOT pilot participation plan and proposed participants
  • Prepare and submit Phase I interim report

• PHASE II: Execution of Initial Outreach and Draft Deliverable Development
  • Following Phase I approval, conduct initial engagements, in format to be proposed by vendor, such as workshops and structured interviews (potentially in conjunction with existing American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and Transportation Research Board (TRB) meetings)
  • Prepare summary report of engagement findings and insights
  • Prepare draft toolkit materials
  • Gather input on draft deliverables from pilot states (a mixture of beginning, moderate, and experienced SS practitioners)
  • Prepare and submit Phase II interim report

• PHASE III: Concluding Engagements
  • Following Phase II approval, conduct final engagements, in format to be recommended by the proposer, such as workshops and structured interviews (potentially in conjunction with existing AASHTO/TRB meetings)
  • Prepare summary report of engagement findings and insights

• PHASE IV: Draft Final and Final Deliverables
  • Develop final tools and guidelines; at a minimum, project deliverables will include:
    • Strategic toolkit, including a communication plan and materials for state DOT leadership, a scalable state DOT implementation framework, and an external communications and engagement plan
    • Conduct of research report
    • Implementation memorandum
  • Prepare final report that documents project activities and synthesizes themes and lessons learned from engagements
  • Develop an implementation plan with recommendations for dissemination

STATUS: Research in progress.