Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Research Roadmap
Introduction
Welcome to the ODOT Traffic Safety Research Roadmap website. This initiative aims to create a coordinated, consensus-based approach to traffic safety research, ensuring better alignment between research and practice. Through engagement with partners throughout Oregon this work will result in a 5-year research agenda that will help the ODOT Research Unit determine research to fund in the coming years.
Principal Investigators
| Name | Contact Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Griffin | greg.griffin@odot.oregon.gov | 503-871-0411 |
| Josh Roll | josh.f.roll@odot.oregon.gov | 971-701-0271 |
Research Roadmap Process
To address the rising increase in fatal and serious traffic injuries, the ODOT Traffic Safety Research Roadmap will establish a structured, five-year research agenda listing research concepts for funding through ODOT Research Unit’s annual funding cycle as well as other funding opportunities available like National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. These research concepts will nest with the US Department of Transportation’s Safe System Approach (SSA) shown at right.
This structured approach will help ODOT and partner agencies translate research into actionable improvements that will help to meet the state’s goal of zero fatal and serious injuries on Oregon roadways.
Survey: Your Input Matters!
Your insights are critical! We’re gathering input through a survey open to:
- City, county, and state transportation agency staff and leadership
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
- Public health and safety officials
- Traffic safety advocates
- Elected leaders and policy makers
- Traffic engineers, planners, and enforcement professionals
Your 10-minute contribution will shape Oregon’s traffic safety research priorities.
Upcoming Focus Groups
After the survey, targeted focus groups will:
- Explore key survey findings in greater depth.
- Include input from diverse experts.
- Ensure the roadmap addresses real practitioner needs.
Feedback from these groups will refine and inform our final research priorities.
Background & National Research Context
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) formed a national expert committee to examine effective translation of traffic safety research into practice. This national consensus report, Tackling the Road Safety Crisis: Saving Lives Through Research and Action, the consensus report emphasizes:
- Better connecting research with implementation.
- Coordinating research efforts.
- Providing systematic solutions at local and state levels. Key findings included challenges and recommendations for improving research translation to real-world use. ODOT’s Traffic Safety Research Roadmap aims to develop a coordinated approach to funding and conducting traffic safety research across different state and local public agencies with a research agenda tailored for Oregon and the traffic challenges in our state.
Get Involved
We encourage all transportation professionals, researchers, law enforcement, and public servants working in the judiciary to participate.
📩 Contact us at [greg.griffin@odot.oregon.gov] to learn more or join upcoming discussions.