What tool is used to estimate the benefits associated with a safety countermeasure?

The correct choice is the crash modification factor. This tool is specifically designed to estimate the expected reduction in crashes that result from the implementation of various safety countermeasures. It provides a quantitative measure that helps safety professionals assess the effectiveness of different interventions by comparing crash frequencies before and after their application, adjusted for various conditions.

The crash modification factor is derived from empirical data and statistical analysis, allowing for tailored assessments based on local conditions and characteristics of the roadways and traffic behaviors. This makes it a crucial component in the decision-making process when planning and prioritizing safety improvements. Utilizing this factor helps stakeholders justify investments in safety projects by projecting potential benefits in terms of reduced crashes and improved safety outcomes.

In contrast, while other tools such as the benefit-cost ratio, empirical Bayes, and network screening tools play important roles in road safety analysis, they serve different functions. The benefit-cost ratio evaluates the economic feasibility of a project by comparing expected benefits to costs. The empirical Bayes method is a statistical approach used to improve the reliability of crash rate estimates, and network screening tools help prioritize locations for safety improvements but do not estimate benefits directly like the crash modification factor does.