Professor Dr. Peter Savolainen

Biography

Peter Savolainen is the MSU Research Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University. His research primarily focuses on understanding road user behavior, particularly in relation to traffic safety and operational influences driven by roadway characteristics. His work has provided vital insights regarding how changes in roadway features, such as speed limits, can affect driver behavior. Savolainen's contributions extend to evaluating the impact of dynamic speed feedback signs on driver responses, particularly within various critical roadway contexts. He explores the changes in travel behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on driver speed selection and crash risk in rural areas. His work has garnered awards and recognition from prestigious organizations, including the Transportation Research Board and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. With degrees in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and Michigan Technological University, he remains a leading figure in his field, consistently advancing knowledge in transportation safety and engineering.

Research Interests

Awards