Background. Traffic crashes represent the largest cause of fatal injury for nearly all age groups, especially in rural America. Rural states such as Montana have the misfortune of having the highest traffic fatally rates both in terms of exposure (VMT) and population risk (per capita). Driver behavior represents this single largest causal factor for these traffic crashes. Specifically, most crashes result from poor decision-making rather than misperceiving information or not having the requisite skills to act correctly. This implies that most crash-related behavior factors – such as speeding, drunk driving, failure to yield, seat belt non-compliance – are the direct result of deliberate decisions by drivers that increase crash risk and injury severity. For example, drivers do not inadvertently find themselves impaired by alcohol or other distractions behind the wheel. Rather, drivers decide to drive after drinking or drive while operating a cell phone. These examples represent volitional behaviors based on either the driver’s assessment that the associated risks are insignificant or the driver’s attitude that such behavior (and risk) is acceptable. However, it would be a mistake to focus safety interventions on the behavior alone because the underlying decision making process is itself determined by the prevailing culture that determines the value placed on risk versus safety. Thus, unless we can focus our research efforts on understanding how culture influences driver attitudes and decision-making processes, we can not expect to engineer a fundamental and enduring change in driver behavior in our transportation systems. Traffic safety culture is an important determinant of driver risk taking and acceptance of traffic safety interventions. In recognition of this, the Western Transportation Institute and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are hosting a summit to discuss traffic safety culture and its role in the safety of our rural transportation system.

What can participants expect? The Summit will strive to increase understanding and unify concern amongst traffic safety researchers, practitioners, and policymakers about the role of traffic safety culture on (1) behavioral factors, and (2) attitudinal barriers to public and political acceptance of traffic safety interventions. Presentations by national and international experts followed by focused discussion will ensure that this event is a must attend for individuals in the traffic safety arena.

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Cancellation Policy: Individuals who must cancel their registration can do so 30 days prior to the event and receive a full refund. A 50% refund will be issued for cancellations made 30 days to two weeks prior to the event. Cancellations received less than two weeks from the event will not be eligible for a refund. Substitutions, however, are always welcome.

Registration questions can be directed to Meetings Northwest, LLC at registration@meetingsnorthwest.com or 866-633-8110.