Starting a Safety Improvement Program for Rural Unpaved Roads

A prototype safety improvement program (SIP) developed specifically for unpaved roads is presented. The combination of high mileage, low traffic volume, and limited budgets makes it difficult for local agencies to adopt traditional SIPs. The presented SIP for unpaved roads is economically and procedurally appropriate for local road agencies. It provides a systematic means of prioritizing road sections for safety analysis and identifying safety improvement needs. One of the many unique features of the program is its “partnering” approach of involving public road users in the safety improvement process. Results of case studies that validate the procedure are included.