The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) on September 10, 2026, for the CUTR-KOTI Transportation Safety Seminar. The invitation-only event brought together transportation researchers and leaders from both organizations to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging transportation safety challenges, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Strengthening International Research Partnerships
Held at CUTR’s headquarters on the USF campus, the seminar provided a forum for transportation experts from the United States and South Korea to share research findings, discuss policy approaches, and identify areas of mutual interest in highway safety and transportation innovation.
The delegation was led by KOTI President Dr. Youngchan Kim and included senior leadership and transportation safety researchers from the institute. They were joined by CUTR faculty and staff representing expertise in transportation safety, data analytics, planning, economics, and emerging mobility research.
Exploring the Future of Highway Safety Analytics
The seminar opened with a presentation by Dr. Fred Mannering titled “Towards the Integration of AI/ML and Traditional Data Science in Highway Safety Research.”
Dr. Mannering examined the growing role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in transportation safety analysis, while emphasizing the importance of retaining insights from traditional statistical and econometric methods. He discussed the behavioral complexities that influence roadway safety and highlighted how combining behavioral science concepts with modern AI and machine learning approaches can improve both predictive accuracy and understanding of crash causation.
Drawing on examples from ongoing research, Dr. Mannering demonstrated how high-resolution traffic conflict data can be used to better predict crash frequency and severity, illustrating the value of integrating advanced analytics with established transportation safety methodologies.
Insights from Korea’s Highway Safety Experience
KOTI Researcher, Dr. Jeayong Lee, followed with a presentation titled “Highway Safety in Korea: Recent Challenges and Policy Measures.”
The presentation provided an overview of trends in South Korea’s expressway safety performance, major traffic safety initiatives, and emerging transportation challenges. Attendees learned about recent policy measures aimed at improving roadway safety and reviewed case studies that highlighted current issues facing transportation agencies in Korea.
The discussion offered valuable international perspectives on how data, policy, and technology can work together to reduce crashes and improve outcomes for roadway users.
Engaging Discussion and Knowledge Exchange
Following the presentations, participants engaged in a panel discussion and open question-and-answer session. The conversation focused on shared transportation safety challenges, research methodologies, emerging technologies, and opportunities for collaboration between U.S. and Korean researchers.
The exchange of ideas underscored the importance of global partnerships in addressing complex transportation issues and advancing innovative approaches to safety analysis and policymaking.
Experiencing Transportation Innovation in Tampa Bay
In addition to the seminar, the KOTI delegation had the opportunity to learn about transportation operations and innovation across the Tampa Bay region.
The group visited the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), where they explored innovative transportation technologies and initiatives being implemented to improve mobility and roadway operations. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss intelligent transportation systems, connected vehicle applications, and emerging technologies that are helping shape the future of transportation.
The delegation also toured the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven headquarters, gaining insight into the agency’s transportation planning, operations, safety programs, and regional partnerships.
Experiencing Emerging Mobility Technologies
As part of their visit to Tampa, KOTI representatives experienced some of the latest advancements in automated mobility firsthand. Delegates had the opportunity to ride in autonomous vehicle and robotaxi services, including Waymo, allowing them to observe emerging transportation technologies from the user perspective.
These experiences complemented the seminar’s discussions on data-driven transportation safety, technology adoption, and the evolving transportation landscape. They also provided a valuable opportunity to compare how transportation agencies, researchers, and technology providers in the United States and South Korea are approaching the future of mobility.
Looking Ahead
The CUTR-KOTI Transportation Safety Seminar and accompanying technical visits demonstrated the value of international collaboration in transportation research and innovation. Through presentations, discussions, facility tours, and firsthand experiences with emerging mobility technologies, participants exchanged knowledge on transportation safety, policy, operations, and technology.
By bringing together experts from both organizations, the visit strengthened relationships, fostered meaningful dialogue, and laid the groundwork for future cooperative efforts aimed at improving transportation systems and safety outcomes worldwide.
