Comparing risk maps and star ratings

The AusRAP Star Ratings initiative was launched by the Australian Automobile Association in October 2006 following over two years of research, development and assessment. The Star Rating results are based on an assessment of the engineering features of the road network and the calculation of a Road Protection Score (RPS). This report details an investigation into the relationship between the Star Ratings/RPS and the crash costs on the road network. While the AusRAP model is not a crash prediction tool a link between the Star Ratings/RPS and crash outcomes is expected. The study involved the comparison of crash data and Star Rating/RPS results on the Queensland AusLink network assessed as part of the 2006 report. The analysis provides a strong indication of the improvement in crash costs that can be expected as a road network improves from two star to three star to four star and ultimately a five star road. These results are expected to assist in further work being undertaken during 2007/2008 to investigate the expected economic costs and benefits of raising the AusLink network to a four star standard.