Technical Applications for Traffic Safety Programs: A Primer

This document explores how emerging digital and communications technology can advance safety on the Nation’s highways. The range of technology described in this report is available or will be available in the near future to improve traffic safety. As new traffic safety applications become widespread and implementation costs decrease, there could be a network of advanced systems that improve traffic safety by providing information and services to drivers, traffic operations agencies, emergency services personnel, and law enforcement professionals. Discussions in this report include a general overview of traffic safety technology; the use of technology to reach traffic safety goals using the framework of the “Four E’s” of engineering, enforcement, education, and EMS; and the technical and non-technical challenges for these technology applications.