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 en de UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 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 iRAP Wereldwijd Technisch Comité. Key drivers for the change include:
- Laatste wereldwijde bewijs: Integreert het nieuwste onderzoek en wereldwijde bewijs van het ongevallenrisico.
- Veilige Systeemuitlijning Lijnt risicofactoren en verwondingsrelaties af met 'Safe System'-principes.
- Kwetsbare Verkeersdeelnemers (KV) Focus: Verbetert de nauwkeurigheid van risicobeoordelingen, met name voor voetgangers en fietsers, en in mindere mate voor motorrijders.
- Robuuste Resultaten: Zorgt ervoor dat beoordelingen robuust, herhaalbaar en in lijn met letseluitkomsten in de echte wereld blijven.
Key Changes
The update will deliver several enhancements including:
- Belangrijke VRU-updates: Significant changes to pedestrian and bicyclist models, including a new “Bicyclist Crossing” crash type.
- Granular Risk FactorsImplementatie van snelheidsstappen van 1 km/u en voertuigstappen van 1.000 per rijstrook voor extern verkeer.
- Gebundelde banden Een consistent sterbeoordelingssysteem voor voetgangers- en fietsersmodellen om een uniforme interpretatie te waarborgen.
- Zero Star RatingEen nieuwe ‘Nul Sterren’-band om wegvakken met extreem hoog risico te onderscheiden en prioriteit te geven aan hun aanpak.
- Decimale Sterbeoordelingen: Een gevoeliger en genuanceerder begrip van verkeersveiligheid dat verder gaat dan traditionele gehele ster-drempels.
- Bedrijfsnelheid Functionaliteit: Nieuwe ViDA-functies stellen gebruikers in staat om Sterbeoordelingen te produceren uitsluitend op basis van bedrijfssnelheden.
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 Bestandsuploadspecificatie 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.
Om u te helpen de veranderingen te begrijpen, hebben we het volgende uitgebracht:
- iRAP Sterrenclassificatiemodel Update Toelichtingsnota: Gedetailleerde beschrijving van de wijzigingen in de modellen voor crashrisico, risicofactoren en coderingsrichtlijnen.
- iRAP Methodologie Referentiegids: Deze geconsolideerde naslaggids beschrijft volledig de iRAP-modellen en risicofactoren, evenals het bewijs dat hieraan ten grondslag ligt.
- Veelgestelde Vragen (FAQ): Antwoorden op veelgestelde technische en datamanagementvragen.
In coming months, iRAP will release specification documents for version 3.10, including updated versions of the Bestandsuploadspecificatie, iRAP Codeerhandleiding en de 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!
ViDA-gebruikers worden per e-mail op de hoogte gesteld van de lancering van versie 3.10 in ViDA.
Neem voor ondersteuning bij lopende projecten of gegevensbeheer contact op met 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.