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NCHRP Web Document 33 (2001), NCHRP Research Results Digest 220 (1997), and NCHRP Research Results Digest 256 (2001): The objective of this research was to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for improving roadside safety, building upon a broad-based consensus. To accomplish the objective, the following tasks were conducted: (1) Organize and conduct one or more roadside safety conferences or workshops. Efforts were made to maximize the opportunities for state personnel to attend and provide insight and input into the process. Presentations by recognized individuals in the field were arranged to provide up-to-date information. The conferences included a series of breakout sessions to ensure a thorough discussion of the issues and were open to all interested parties, but efforts were made to include representatives from the states, TRB, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FHWA, vehicle manufacturers, testing agencies, private and government laboratories, material suppliers, roadside hardware manufacturers, and the academic community. (2) Prepare reports that synthesizes the input obtained from the conference for review by the project panel. The reports described the draft strategic plan as it evolved and included research problem statements that were developed. (3) Revise the draft strategic plan to reflect the comments from the NCHRP panel. Consider options for distributing the report to the agencies and organizations affected for review and comment. (4) Use the strategic plan to identify research needs, formulate action plans, outline implementation efforts, and identify and organize partners and stakeholders. (5) Prepare a final report, which documents the efforts and findings of the project including the revised strategic plan.

TRBs Conference Proceedings 38: Future Truck and Bus Safety Research Opportunities are the proceedings from a conference held on March 23-24, 2005, in Arlington, Virginia. The purpose of the conference was to ponder the future of the commercial vehicle industry and to explore the types of research needed to meet the challenges of the future. These proceedings summarize the issues, comments, future scenarios, and other information addressed during the conference. The authored research papers presented at the conference are also included. The conference committee net following the event to synthesize the information presented and discussions held and to deliberate on its findings and recommendations for future research, which are also presented in the report.

TRB Transportation Research Circular E-C085, Railroad Operational Safety: Status and Research Needs summarizes the proceedings of the Midyear Meeting of the Transportation Research Board?s (TRB) Railroad Operational Safety Subcommittee held September 10?12, 2002, in Irvine, California, which examined human factors-related research issues facing the railroad enterprise. The report includes research problem statements and explores fatigue and vigilance, safety culture, and the impact of advanced technology on railroad operational safety.

TRBs Transportation Research Circular E-C094, Safety Data Analysis and Evaluation: Research Problem Statements contains research problem statements produced by members and friends of TRB?s Safety Data, Research, and Analysis Committee (ANB20). The committee is concerned with methods of gathering, storing, and, in particular, using the transportation safety data for informed decision making. The 12 problem statements contained in the circular cover a broad range of highway safety information issues in the areas of safety data improvement, evaluation, and methodology.

TRB Special Report 292, Safety Research on Highway Infrastructure and Operations: Improving Priorities, Coordination, and Quality recommends the creation of an independent scientific advisory committee (SAC). The SAC would be charged with development of a transparent process for identifying and prioritizing research needs and opportunities in highway safety, with emphasis on infrastructure and operations, and using the process developed to recommend a national research agenda focused on highway infrastructure and operations safety. The report also explores opportunities to improve the quality of highway safety research.

This Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and the tools developed to facilitate its implementation offer state and local transportation and safety agencies a life-saving blueprint ready for application in developing comprehensive highway safety plans.