Abstract

Speed management is central to reducing fatal and serious injury crashes. The Safe System Approach, an emerging roadway safety paradigm in the United States, recognizes human error and vulnerability and focuses on minimizing crash severity through coordinated policy, design, and operational strategies. This thesis examines how Safe System Approach principles can be applied to speed management, with a focus on identifying practical countermeasures and implementation strategies relevant to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). A compendium of practice was conducted to evaluate speed management countermeasures and document how cities and state Departments of Transportation are implementing Safe System Approach-based strategies. Thirty-two countermeasures were identified, including policy-based programs, automated enforcement, and roadway design treatments such as road diets, roundabouts, curb extensions, and gateway features. Findings show that implementing multiple, coordinated strategies is more effective than isolated interventions. The use of high-quality, context-sensitive speed and safety data supports proactive alignment of speed limits, roadway design, and safety goals. Establishing a clear Safe System Approach vision, supported by available federal and state tools, provides agencies with clear guidance for implementation. Based on the results of this research, several recommendations were provided for UDOT, including continuing to implement countermeasures for speed management in speed limit setting policies, evaluating current policies related to speed safety cameras in the state, incorporating Safe System Approach practices in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, creating a speed management action plan, and placing a strong emphasis on community education tied to speed management.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Civil and Construction Engineering

Rights

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