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Road Safety Audits, Safe System and Star Rating for Design assessments are proactive, cost-effective methods that help identify and mitigate road safety risks before crashes occur.
Each of these supports the Safe System approach by ensuring that infrastructure design or existing roads account for human error and vulnerability if a crash occurs. Furthermore, mitigation measures to reduce crash likelihood can also be identified.
When conducted independently, any of these road safety assessment methods provides an objective, unbiased perspective that is crucial for identifying potential hazards that may be overlooked by those closely involved in the project. Independence ensures that safety considerations are not compromised by project constraints, commercial pressures, or design assumptions, ultimately contributing to safer roads for all users.
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No single assessment method is more effective in identifying safety issues or providing mitigation measures. Experienced Road Safety engineering practitioners are the key to identifying safety issues and providing carefully considered, fit for purpose mitigation measures.
Our team has extensive road safety research and consulting experience. We understand road safety from a first principles level and will work with you to identify safer road design options, develop road safety improvement programs, and develop strategies to improve road safety through road safety improvement packages or existing funding streams such as road maintenance programs.
Road Safety Audit
Road Safety Audits (RSAs) are a proven, proactive approach to saving lives and reducing serious injuries on our roads.
Conducted by independent, multi-disciplined, qualified experts, RSAs identify potential safety risks for all road users across all stages of a road's life cycle, from planning and design to operation:
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Feasibility / Concept Stage Road Safety Audits
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Preliminary Design Stage Road Safety Audits
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Detailed Design Stage Road Safety Audits
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Pre-Opening Stage Road Safety Audits
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Immediate Post-Opening (Post-Completion) Road Safety Audits
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Existing Road, Road Safety Audits
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Thematic Road Safety Audits(e.g. pedestrian-focused, motorcycle-focused, cyclist-focused).
By integrating Safe System principles, RSAs help clients deliver safer infrastructure, reduce costly remedial works, and demonstrate their duty of care.
Whether you're managing new developments or existing roads, RSAs are a critical tool to improve safety outcomes and project performance.
Safe System Assessment
A Safe System Assessment (SSA) is a structured process that evaluates the alignment between road infrastructure and design proposals and the Safe System approach. SSA is a nationally recognised framework aiming to eliminate death and serious injury on our roads.
These assessments identify the potential crash types, likelihood, and severity of outcomes for all road users, including vulnerable groups like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
By systematically scoring risks and recommending treatments that align with Safe System principles, targeted mitigation measures can be identified to reduce crash risk.
Whether you're planning a new project or reviewing existing roads, Safe System Assessments provide the evidence and guidance needed to meet policy expectations and reduce harm.
All of our SSAs are overseen by an accredited Senior or Lead Road Safety Auditor, ensuring experienced professional judgement complements the structured, quantitative assessment process.
Star Rating for Designs
Star Rating for Designs is a proactive road safety tool that evaluates how well a proposed road design protects users from death and serious injury.
Using internationally recognised iRAP (International Road Assessment Programme) methodology, the design is assessed against key risk factors such as road layout, intersection treatments, roadside hazards, and pedestrian and cyclist facilities. The design is evaluated by assigning a star rating from 1 (least safe) to 5 (safest).
By quantifying safety performance before construction begins, Star Rating for Designs enables planners and designers to compare options, justify safety upgrades, and deliver infrastructure that meets Safe System objectives. It is a powerful way to embed safety into road projects from the earliest stages.