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HSM Overview Fact Sheet

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What is its purpose?

The purpose of the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) is to provide the best factual information and proven analysis tools for crash frequency prediction. The HSM will facilitate integrating quantitative crash frequency and severity performance measures into roadway planning, design, operations, and maintenance decisions. The primary focus of the HSM is the increased application of analytical tools for assessing the safety impacts of transportation project and program decisions.

What are its uses?

How does the HSM apply to the Project Development Process?

HSM Project Development Process

Overview of HSM chapters

Part A – Introduction, Human Factors, and Fundamentals
Chapter 1 – Introduction and Overview
Chapter 2 – Human Factors
Chapter 3 – Fundamentals

Part B – Roadway Safety Management Process
Chapter 4 – Network Screening
Chapter 5 – Diagnosis
Chapter 6 – Select Countermeasures
Chapter 7 – Economic Appraisal
Chapter 8 – Prioritize Projects
Chapter 9 – Safety Effectiveness Evaluation

Part C – Predictive Method
Chapter 10 – Rural Two-Lane Roads
Chapter 11 – Rural Multilane Highways
Chapter 12 – Urban and Suburban Arterials

Part D – Crash Modifi cation Factors
Chapter 13 – Roadway Segments
Chapter 14 – Intersections
Chapter 15 – Interchanges
Chapter 16 – Special Facilities
Chapter 17 – Road Networks


HOT TOPICS OF THE HSM

What about tort liability and risk management?

The HSM is designed to support practitioners in managing risk. The quantitative analysis of safety data provides protection to public agencies concerned about risk. The HSM is neither intended to be, nor does it establish, a legal standard of care for users or professionals. No standard of conduct or any duty toward the public or any person shall be created or imposed by the publication and use or nonuse of the HSM. Documentation used, developed, compiled or collected for analyses conducted in connection with the HSM may be protected under Federal law (23 USC 409).

What training is available to assist me in using the HSM?

Step by step procedures with examples are included in the HSM to assist practitioners. Additionally, training courses are available through the National Highway Institute at http://nhi.fhwa.dot.gov.

*Course under development

How much does it cost? Can I buy it online?

The HSM is currently available for purchase from AASHTO for $325 for AASHTO members and $390 for non-members. Discounts are available for those states taking HSM training. Both hard copy and electronic versions are available. To purchase, visit https://bookstore.transportation.org and search under code HSM-1.

What data are needed?

Three types of data are needed to apply the HSM safety prediction methodologies: site characteristics data, traffic volume data, and crash data. Details are available in the Highway Safety Manual Data Needs Guide, available here: www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/Highway_Safety_Manual_Data_Needs_Guide_159984.aspx

Is software support available?

Yes. HSM methodologies will be supported by the following software programs:


Where can I find more information?

The most up-to-date information on the HSM can be found here: www.highwaysafetymanual.org

Page last modified on October 15, 2014
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Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000