A key aspect of performing an existing conditions analysis are field visits. Field visits are used to confirm the existing roadway and traffic operation conditions and can also be used to review the results from the historical crash data analysis. It is recommended that the particular focus of these field visits is to capture information that typically cannot be obtained through the review of historical crash data and predictive analysis. This additional information related to safety can include driver behavior, speed issues, lane utilization, potential conflict issues, and the current conditions of the facility. For example, field visits may be conducted to understand the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists to identify potential safety issues related to these vulnerable user groups. Field visits are usually performed at times specific to the project and may include peak period, off-peak, dusk/dawn, and nighttime visits.

Field visits are recommended to provide additional insight in terms of the local conditions and potential safety issues that could otherwise be missed when only reviewing historical crash data or looking at aerial imagery. The review of aerial imagery or streetlevel photo logs is intended to supplement field visits and are not to be used as a replacement.