An average of more than 90 people died in motor vehicle crashes on the United States Highway System every day during the year 2015 (NHTSA, 2016). As a result, transportation professionals are continuing to seek ways to improve roadway safety. One method that has been growing in the United States involves the use of High Friction Surface Treatments (HFSTs), a pavement overlay system that involves the placement of a more polish resistant, high-quality, and durable aggregate topping (e.g. bauxite) on a resin binder. The goal of HFST is to provide vehicles with additional pavement friction and help drivers stay on the road, especially during rain events. HFSTs are a promising solution, not only due to its potential to greatly improve safety, but also due to its shorter construction schedule, minimal environmental impact, and relatively low cost when compared to other alternatives.

Since the early 2000s, there has been an increase in state HFST installations projects. According to United States Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 40 states within the United States have applied HFST on at least one project site as of June 2016. 24 states have either implemented a systemic HFST program or are actively installing HFST in multiple locations (FHWA, 2017). While these treatments are continuing to be installed, it is important for researches to look back and review their performance in terms of reducing crash rates and crash severity levels.

The aim of this research is to perform a comprehensive review of HFST performance from the perspective through an analysis of installation projects in the state of Pennsylvania. Using crash data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), it analyzes the extent of their effectiveness in reducing both crash rates and crash severity at various facility types. The goal is to help practitioners identify 1) locations to target or prioritize with these friction treatments, and 2) the crash reduction they can expect.