Rethinking Transportation Design, Operation, and Regulation

Too often, transportation systems fail the very people they are meant to serve. Although engineers and policymakers design systems based on industry standards, real-world users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—face hazards that are often overlooked. From poorly maintained winter roads to a misalignment in expected versus actual usage due to human factors, these oversights put lives at risk.

Forensic transportation engineer Robert Gilchrist evaluates conventional thinking in transportation engineering through a human lens. By discussing the disconnect between industry standards and real-world conditions, he encourages a user-centric approach—one that considers human factors, environmental challenges, and the true cost of system failures. Through case studies, regulation analysis, and expert insights, he challenges current practice and supports an adjustment of baseline thinking to improve safety and decision-making.

With decades of experience investigating transportation failures, Gilchrist provides a compelling, accessible guide for engineers, policymakers, lawyers, and system users alike to inspire safer, smarter transportation systems.