This course is intended for transportation, civil, geotechnical, hydraulics, and other engineering professionals concerned with the design of roadways.

In this online engineering PDH course, estimates are discussed of the crash reduction expected if various countermeasures are implemented with respect to roadway departure and other non-intersection crashes. The estimates are presented as Crash Reduction Factors (CRFs). Traffic engineers and other transportation professionals can use the information contained in this course when asking the following types of question: Which countermeasures might be considered along a particular section of a highway that is experiencing a high number of roadway departure crashes? What changes in the number of roadway departure crashes can be expected with the implementation of the various countermeasures? To answer questions like these, in this course CRFs are presented in separate tables for barrier, bridge, geometric, median, roadside, and signs/markings/operational countermeasures.
Topics: This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills: Define “crash reduction factors”; Identify CRFs for barrier, bridge, geometric, median, roadside, and signs/markings/operational countermeasures; Explain how crash severity and road type are taken into account; and Calculate the 95% confidence interval for the potential CRF that might be achieved by implementing the countermeasure.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for transportation, civil, geotechnical, hydraulics, and other engineering professionals concerned with the design of roadways.
Publication Source: This course is based on the document, "Toolbox of Countermeasures and Their Potential Effectiveness for Roadway Departure Crashes", FHWA-SA-014 - May 2008, which can be accessed from https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/ped_tctpepc/.

Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years
Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.