The main theme of the new transportation authorization proposal, SAFETEA, is the reduction of traffic related fatalities through a series of new programs and initiatives which are to be implemented at state and local levels during the course of the program. In view of the current emphasis on transportation and traffic safety needs, we propose the creation of a transportation safety resource center (TSRC), at Rutgers University, in partnership with New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Division of Traffic Safety and Engineering, the Federal Highway Administration-New Jersey Division (FHWA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Note: Final report to come.

The aim of the TSRC is to improve safety by creating a new core program that consolidates existing efforts that have been championed by both the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and providing new incentive bonuses to reward States that achieve demonstrable safety results. Additionally, transportation research centers (UMTRI and CRDL) throughout the United States have provided a variety of technical services that supplement their DOT and/or the Divisions of Highway Traffic Safety agencies. They offer partnering services that include conducting agency evaluations, distributing resources, planning small resource projects, sponsoring workshops, and developing websites. Similarly, TSRC will provide these services to the NJDOT Bureau of Safety Programs and the FMCSA, along with technical support on merging specialized data sources with the New Jersey Crash Records System.

Furthermore, the specific objectives of this timely initiative are to provide comprehensive training and technical assistance to all local stakeholders in New Jersey who are involved with the implementation of federal and state safety programs. The resource center will provide the first tier service for the locals before they approach NJDOT for the resolution of their safety related problems. By using the resources of the center, the local users will be able to package and present their problems to NJDOT along with potential solutions.