Abstract: Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) have the potential to significantly improve transportation safety and mobility. However, their integration in rural areas remains understudied and faces several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, lower technology readiness, and limited resources. Existing CAV benefit analysis tools are primarily based on data from the Puget Sound region, an urban context that does not represent conditions in the Southeastern United States. As a result, these tools have limited applicability for rural southeastern communities. This study addresses this gap by developing a data-driven framework using region-specific data collected across eight southeastern states, targeting residents and transportation practitioners. Survey findings, combined with secondary crash data, will be integrated into a CAV Safety Benefit Calculator to recalibrate the tool and assess community readiness, technology acceptance, and institutional capacity. The project aims to generate actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations tailored to rural southeastern regions. Findings will support safer, more effective, and context-sensitive CAV deployment strategies and will be disseminated through workshops and conference presentations to inform future CAV investment and policy decisions.