Evaluating the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia road-safety improvement program

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has been involved in the investment of road infrastructure improvement for many years, delivering an annual program known as the Road Improvement Program. Corporation staff realized that selective road improvement projects have tremendous potential to improve road safety performance. This improved road safety performance, measured in terms of a reduction in the frequency and severity of collisions, also led to a reduction in the cost of automobile insurance claims. This reduced claim cost provided the basis for the economic justification for investments in road infrastructure improvements. To ensure that the justification for the ICBC investment in road safety improvements is verified, a formal evaluation of the Road Improvement Program is undertaken at regular intervals. However, conducting a thorough and reliable evaluation of road safety projects can be difficult and involves significant effort. Presented are details of the important factors that should be considered when conducting an evaluation of road safety improvement projects. The methodology and results used to perform the latest ICBC program evaluation are described.