What are the most effective ways to analyze safety impacts of multi-modal transportation projects?

1 Define safety goals and performance measures

The first step in analyzing the safety impacts of multi-modal transportation projects is to define the safety goals and performance measures that are relevant and meaningful for the project. Safety goals are the desired outcomes or targets that the project seeks to achieve or contribute to, such as reducing fatalities, injuries, or crashes. Performance measures are the indicators or metrics that can be used to monitor and evaluate the progress and results of the project in relation to the safety goals, such as crash rates, severity, or exposure. Defining the safety goals and performance measures helps to establish the scope, criteria, and methods of the safety analysis.

3 Compare alternatives and scenarios

The third step in analyzing the safety impacts of multi-modal transportation projects is to compare the alternatives and scenarios that are being considered for the project. Alternatives and scenarios are the different options or configurations that the project can adopt or implement, such as different designs, treatments, or policies. Comparing the alternatives and scenarios helps to estimate and compare the potential safety impacts of each option, such as the expected change in crashes, injuries, or fatalities. Comparing the alternatives and scenarios also helps to identify the trade-offs and synergies among the different modes and users.

4 Evaluate costs and benefits

The fourth step in analyzing the safety impacts of multi-modal transportation projects is to evaluate the costs and benefits of each alternative or scenario. Costs and benefits are the economic and social values that are associated with the safety impacts of each option, such as the monetary costs of crashes, injuries, or fatalities, or the social benefits of improved health, quality of life, or equity. Evaluating the costs and benefits helps to quantify and communicate the value of the safety impacts of each option, as well as to prioritize and select the most feasible and effective option.

5 Monitor and adjust

The fifth step in analyzing the safety impacts of multi-modal transportation projects is to monitor and adjust the selected alternative or scenario after it is implemented or completed. Monitoring and adjusting involves collecting and analyzing the data on the actual safety performance and outcomes of the project, as well as comparing them with the expected or predicted results. Monitoring and adjusting also involves identifying and addressing any issues, challenges, or opportunities that arise during or after the project implementation or completion. Monitoring and adjusting helps to verify and validate the effectiveness of the project, as well as to improve and refine the project or the analysis methods.

6 Learn and share

The sixth and final step in analyzing the safety impacts of multi-modal transportation projects is to learn and share the lessons and insights from the project and the analysis. Learning and sharing involves documenting and reporting the results, findings, and recommendations of the project and the analysis, as well as disseminating and communicating them to the relevant stakeholders, audiences, and communities. Learning and sharing also involves reviewing and evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of the project and the analysis, as well as identifying and applying the best practices and lessons learned for future projects and analyses. Learning and sharing helps to enhance the knowledge, skills, and capacity of the transportation planners and the transportation system.