Thanks to the efforts of our partners worldwide, iRAP’s Star Rating Methodology has underpinned road safety assessments in more than 140 countries, informing 3-Star or better road upgrades that are transforming journeys for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and vehicle occupants across the world.
Now, informed by the latest global evidence on crash risk, iRAP’s current Star Rating model (version 3.02) is being updated. The new model (version 3.10), guided by experts and world-leading road safety research, will come online in May 2026 and be accessible via iRAP’s online platform, ViDA.
Why the Model is Changing
iRAP is committed to ensuring our methodologies reflect the latest research, evidence and experience of our partners in using iRAP tools around the world.
The introduction of version 3.10 directly contributes to the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action for Road Safety et le Décennie des Nations Unies pour le transport durable by providing a more rigorous, evidence-based framework to protect vulnerable road users and foster safer, more equitable transport networks.
Version 3.10 is the result of a comprehensive five-year review of the research underpinning iRAP methodologies, performed under the guidance of the Comité technique mondial iRAP. Key drivers for the change include:
- Dernières données mondiales : Intègre les dernières recherches et données mondiales sur les risques d'accident.
- Alignement sécurisé du système : Aligne les facteurs de risque et les liens de causalité entre les blessures et les principes du système de sécurité.
- Priorité aux usagers vulnérables de la route (UVR) : Améliore la précision des évaluations des risques, notamment pour les piétons et les cyclistes, et dans une moindre mesure pour les motocyclistes.
- Résultats solides : Garantit que les évaluations restent robustes, reproductibles et alignées sur les résultats réels en matière de blessures.
Key Changes
The update will deliver several enhancements including:
- Principales mises à jour concernant les utilisateurs virtuels : Significant changes to pedestrian and bicyclist models, including a new “Bicyclist Crossing” crash type.
- Granular Risk Factors: Implementation of 1 km/h speed increments and 1,000 vehicle-per-lane increments for external traffic flow.
- Bande unifiée : Un système de notation par étoiles cohérent pour les modèles piétons et cyclistes afin de garantir une interprétation uniforme.
- Zero Star RatingUne nouvelle zone ‘ zéro étoile ’ pour aider à différencier les tronçons de route à très haut risque et à les prioriser pour les travaux d'entretien.
- Évaluation décimale par étoiles : Une compréhension plus fine et nuancée de la sécurité routière qui dépasse les seuils traditionnels des étoiles.
- Fonctionnalité de vitesse de fonctionnement : Les nouvelles fonctionnalités de ViDA permettent aux utilisateurs d'attribuer des étoiles en se basant uniquement sur les vitesses de fonctionnement.
Impact on Star Rating assessments
The transition to version 3.10 will have some effect on data processing and reporting, including:
- Data Format: Version 3.10 requires a different upload data format. A new Upload File Specification will be released, and a conversion tool provided to support the transition.
- Data Control: Existing assessments using version 3.02 will not be automatically updated in ViDA. Users can choose to maintain current results or re-run them using version 3.10.
- Technical Accuracy: The model provides a more accurate picture of risk to better target safety improvements.
- Star Rating Shifts: Individual road segments may see changes in Star Ratings. Generally, achieving 3-Stars or better for pedestrians and bicyclists will require more protective infrastructure or lower speeds.
- Coding and Measurement: Updates include revised categories (e.g. sidewalk quality) and adjusted measurement rules, such as measuring sidewalk distance from the curb.
- Comparison Constraints: Because of the substantive changes made to the bicyclist and pedestrian models, results produced by versions 3.02 and 3.10 should not be directly compared for these road user groups. Changes to the motorcycle model are comparatively limited, however, comparing results from the two versions is not recommended given the updates will impact Star Ratings for some road and intersection configurations.
Next Steps
Version 3.10 will be released on ViDA in May 2026. No action is required at this time.
To help you understand the changes, we have released:
- iRAP Star Rating Model Update Explainer Note: Ce document détaille les modifications apportées aux modèles de risque d'accident, aux facteurs de risque et aux directives de codage.
- iRAP Methodology Reference Guide: Ce guide de référence consolidé décrit en détail les modèles iRAP et les facteurs de risque, ainsi que les preuves qui les sous-tendent.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Réponses aux questions techniques et de gestion des données courantes.
In coming months, iRAP will release specification documents for version 3.10, including updated versions of the Upload File Specification, Manuel de codage iRAP et le iRAP Star Rating and Investment Planning Manual.
Ahead of the May launch, we recommend that you review the documentation provided.
We will be providing regular communications in the lead-up to launch of the model update and a series of information webinars to ensure you are fully prepared for the transition.
Watch for upcoming webinar announcements!
Les utilisateurs de ViDA seront informés par e-mail du lancement de la version 3.10 de ViDA.
Pour obtenir de l'aide concernant vos projets en cours ou la gestion de vos données, veuillez contacter support@irap.org.
Acknowledgements
The development and release of version 3.10 have been made possible through the support and collaboration of iRAP’s many partners and supporters. We gratefully acknowledge the FIA Foundation for its continued commitment to funding and enabling the global deployment of iRAP tools, including ViDA. We also thank our innovation partners and Centres of Excellence for their technical expertise and applied research contributions; the members of the Global Technical Committee for their guidance, review and stewardship of methodological integrity; and the European Commission and UKRI for their support through collaborative research initiatives, including the PHOEBE project. Their collective leadership and expertise ensure that iRAP models remain evidence-based, globally relevant and aligned with the shared ambition of eliminating high-risk roads worldwide.
The model enhancements were developed in conjunction with the joint European Commission and UKRI-funded PHOEBE project and has been extensively tested with real-world data. The updated pedestrian model was deployed in the Star Ratings for Schools (SR4S) program in 2023 and have been extensively used by partners around the world, particularly the FIA Mobility clubs.