FDOT uses a data-driven, risk-based approach to guide systemic investments. Their systemic analysis led FDOT leadership to approve $35 million in HSIP funds, plus additional state funding for safety investments.
US-31/M-72 had frequent fog, blowing snow, and a severe crash pattern. After adding a center median, edgeline and centerline corrugations, guardrail, new pavement, and a flashing low visibility warning system, the segment had less severe crashes.
MassDOT’s FoRRRwD initiative provided municipalities with low-cost safety countermeasures. As countermeasures were implemented, MassDOT noted reduced crashes and serious injuries from crashes.
GDOT incorporated visibility enhancements and friction improvements on rural curves after finding that lane departures represented a large proportion of fatalities on curves.
NJDOT's Systemic Approach to Safety focuses on proactively addressing crash risk by widely implementing low-cost, proven effective countermeasures throughout a roadway network. The systemic approach considers elements not typically identified through traditional approaches.
NJDOT has integrated the six principles and five elements of the Safe System Approach (SSA) into its programs, practices, and projects, aiming to achieve zero fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.
NHDOT used a data-driven process to identify and implement Safe System countermeasures to improve safety on Route 101. The selected alternative—6-foot median buffer with rumble strips and wider pavement markings—addresses both head-on and run-off-road crashes at a much lower cost than median barriers, which extends the project limits from 1.2 miles to 4.7 miles.
North Dakota Highway Patrol and North Dakota DOT studied crash risk and travel disruption due to severe winter storms through a Safe System lens. They found several proactive opportunities for safe truck mobility during winter storm events.
Data for Proactive Road Safety: Continuous Pavement Friction Measurement
Kentucky
Pavement Friction Management (PFM) using Continuous Pavement Friction Measurement (CPFM) is a proactive approach for managing pavements for safety throughout the roadway lifecycle. Taking a lifecycle approach to designing, specifying, and maintaining friction performance saved Kentucky more than $1 billion annually and reduced fatal and severe crashes by up to 24%.
The Final Rule on maintaining pavement marking retroreflectivity goes into effect September 6, 2026. Agencies can use recommended methodologies to better prioritize budgets, maximize the life of pavement markings, and improve roadway safety.
