SafeTrip-21 is the catalyst to our transportation future. Researchers are working on new tools to provide a 'connected traveler' with information before and during a trip so that the trip may be taken efficiently and safely. The concept is to equip users with relevant travel information through consumer handheld devices, such as smartphones and aftermarket navigation units. Most relevant to this study is that safety alert messages with traffic and road condition information can be delivered with existing communication technologies and with dedicated communication links, such as DSRC currently under development in Europe and the US. SafeTrip-21 is formed with a strong partnership between government stakeholders (US DOT and Caltrans), private industry (primarily Nokia, NAVTEQ, and Nissan) academia, and the American driver.