Speaking

Traffic simulation models are rapidly improving their safety application capabilities. Many simulation tools available today provide enlightening insights into the safety operations of traffic facilities but are not well known or widely asked for by agencies. This presentation will showcase a number of these tools at an introductory level and speak to their applications in real world projects.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed two tools in particular with enormous potential: Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM) and Naturalistic Assessments of Car-Following Trajectories (NACT). These tools isolate the relationship between following vehicles within the simulation space. Rather than relying on historic and sometimes outdated crash data, these tools allow users to proactively assess turbulence within traffic patterns and can even provide insights into expected future conditions.

Through project case studies, this presentation will show examples of facilities that were designed "conservatively" in light of vehicle delay, but not with adequate consideration of induced weaving patterns and conflict points. Speakers will demonstrate how these tools were applied to improve safety considerations of these facilities while maintaining operational needs. These tools marry the traditional operational concerns with safety concerns while