This training builds on the Safe System approach with attendees learning when and how to conduct a Safe System Assessment using the Austroads framework. The Safe System approach involves all aspects of the road system working together to help eliminate death and serious injury. A key objective for road managers is to ensure that when drivers do make a mistake, it does not result in death or serious injury.

The aim of the Safe System Assessment Framework (SSAF) is to embed Safe System thinking and evaluation from the commencement of a road project. The SSAF has been adopted and applied by transport agencies in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria to help improve safety outcomes of road infrastructure designs.

The SSAF is used to:

• Assess how well the road design and operation aligns with the Safe System objectives, and
• Identify which elements of a design project can be modified to achieve safer outcomes.

A Safe System Assessment considers all pillars of the approach - including vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist crashes, as well as including additional components from road user to vehicle and post-crash care.

Using case studies and in-field practical assessment, the course introduces attendees to the key elements of the Safe System Assessment Framework and demonstrates how the process is applied. Participation in this course supports the national aim of reducing deaths and injuries on Australian roads to half by 2030 and to zero by 2050.

It is assumed participants have a sound understanding of the Safe System approach, its objectives and principles in order to successfully participate in this course.