As building and expanding roadways become increasingly costly and otherwise prohibitive, understanding how data-driven safety analysis and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) can benefit existing and future transportation systems is imperative. ITS tools—including variable message signs, variable speed limits, CCTVs, traffic monitoring stations, ramp meters, and road weather information systems (RWIS)—are widely used by state departments of transportation (DOTs) to manage traffic and improve incident response, thereby enhancing road safety, speeds, and post-crash care as part of the Safe System Approach.

However, the library of information on the crash-reduction benefits of ITS that is useable by safety practitioners remains quite limited. Research is needed to develop crash modification factors (CMFs) for commonly used ITS applications.

The objective of this research is to develop (1) CMFs for commonly deployed ITS applications and (2) calculation procedures for determining the safety benefit/cost ratios of each ITS application.

The proposed research will build on prior work under NCHRP Project 17-95, “Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Applications.” Its findings will help improve transportation safety at a lower cost than traditional roadway expansion by quantifying the crash-reduction benefits of ITS applications. This information will support funding decisions, guide implementation, and help communicate the value of ITS to project teams, planning organizations, and the public, while advancing the Safe System Approach.