This project was completed under the Traffic Safety Culture Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) project TPF-5(309). For more information on this TPF please visit the Traffic Safety Culture webpage.
There is growing interest in "traffic safety culture" (TSC) as a key factor to manage and sustain safe roadway transportation systems, especially as more jurisdictions adopt targets of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. However, the theory, terminology, and methods involved in addressing TSC come from human and social science disciplines that are not typically included in traditional traffic safety, engineering, or other behavioral change agencies (e.g., departments of transportation, driver's licensing, motor vehicle records, etc.). The lack of shared language and understanding about TSC limits the ability of agencies to explore this topic and engage new stakeholders. Additionally, the variation in the interpretation and implementation of TSC strategies has resulted in no consensus about best practices. Communication tools that develop shared language and understanding about traffic safety culture and its relationship to vision zero goals are needed. This final report summarizes the TSC Primer and supporting toolkit developed to address this need.