Safe System Approach 101

Federal, State and Territory governments in Australia have adopted Vision Zero as an ambitious target that aims for no one to be killed or seriously injured on our roads. It is recognised that Vision Zero cannot be achieved without an integrated, holistic approach being adopted, where the road network is viewed as a system that comprises several elements.

This thinking is known as the Safe System approach. It aims to make all elements of the system safer and forgiving of errors, giving a combined positive outcome. It also recognises that if one element in the system fails, the others will reduce the likelihood of road users being killed or seriously injured.

The Safe System comprises the following five elements:

• Safe roads and roadsides
• Safe speeds
• Safe vehicles
• Safe road users
• Post-crash care

A key objective for road managers is to ensure that when driver errors occur, they do not result in high-severity outcomes. It is also recognised that a shared responsibility is essential in reaching this objective, i.e. road users, designers and managers must play their part.

To ensure the Safe System is embedded in all aspects and stages of the transport infrastructure life cycle, system designers and operators, including engineers, planners, lawmakers, enforcement agencies, post-trauma crash care workers and others, must develop a sound understanding and appreciation of the Safe System approach.

Participation in this course supports the national aim of reducing deaths and injuries on Australian roads to half by 2030 and zero by 2050.

This course introduces the basic principles of the Safe System approach in reducing deaths and serious injuries (FSI; Fatal or Serious Injury) from road crashes. This workshop is not intended to turn participants into Safe System experts but provide a solid understanding of the approach. The workshop will set the scene by highlighting Australia's historical and existing road safety road trends. Course participants will gain an understanding of road trauma in Australia, including road deaths and hospitalisation, and compares it to that of other countries. The concepts presented in the workshop will be reinforced through an interactive session to discuss participants' views and understanding of the Safe System approach. This will also highlight the importance of embedding the Safe System principles in their area of work, designs or projects. The workshop closes by providing useful advice on where to find further practical guidance and learning, including Austroads publications, jurisdiction websites and other practitioner resources.