Understanding Road Safety Audits (RSA)  

When it comes to traffic and safety engineering projects, one essential practice is conducting Road Safety Audits (RSAs). These audits play a crucial role in enhancing pedestrian safety and overall road safety. But what exactly are Road Safety Audits, and why are they important? 

What is a Road Safety Audit (RSA)? 

A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal process where a team of independent stakeholders examine the safety aspects of a transportation project. This team looks at traffic volumes, crash data, and existing operations of the facility to identify potential safety issues and suggest improvements. 

Why Are RSAs Important? 

RSAs are crucial for several reasons: 

1. Improving Safety: The main goal is to enhance the safety of all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. 
2. Preventing Crashes: By identifying crash trends, RSAs help identify both short and long term measures to address specific safety concerns. 
3. Cost-Effective: RSA’s are a relatively low cost effort to identify issues and potential solutions. The efforts of an RSA can help to inform the and set the stage for the design of a project. 

When Are RSAs Conducted? 

RSAs can be conducted at different stages of a road project: 

1. Feasibility Stage: Before the project begins, to identify potential safety concerns. 
2. Design Stage: During the planning and design process, to ensure safety measures are included. 
3. Construction Stage: While the road is being built, to spot any emerging safety issues/trends. 
4. Pre-Opening Stage: Just before the road is opened to the public, to ensure it is safe for use. 
5. Post-Opening Stage: After the road is in use, to identify any unforeseen safety problems that may arise. 

Who Conducts RSAs? 

RSAs are typically conducted by a team of varying background and expertise. The team is independent of the project team to ensure an unbiased review. The team often includes: 

1. Traffic Engineers 
2. Road Safety Specialists 
3. Pedestrian Safety Experts 
4. Emergency Services 
5. Local Officials 
6. Law Enforcement 

What Do RSAs Involve? 

During an RSA, the team will: 

1. Review Project Data: Review traffic data, crash data, and any other information that may be available to understand the current operations. 
2. Conduct a Site Visit: Visit the site to observe current conditions and potential hazards. 
3. Identify Safety Issues: Pinpoint areas where safety could be improved. 
4. Recommend Improvements: Provide suggestions to mitigate identified risks. 

Benefits of RSAs 

Conducting an RSA offers numerous benefits, including: 

1. Enhanced Safety: Identifies both short and long term solutions that are aimed to reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. 
2. Diverse Perspective: The RSA Team is made up of a diverse group which allows for a variety of perspectives and opinions. 
3. Long-Term Savings: Having a RSA performed prior to any design work can result in cost savings by engaging key stakeholders early in the process and prior to any design effort. 

Where We Make An Impact

Road Safety Audits (RSAs) are a vital part of any traffic and safety engineering project. They help ensure that roads are safe for all users by identifying existing hazards and recommending a wide range of solutions. McClure is ready to perform these audits with expertise, ensuring safety and efficiency for every project.

Understanding Road Safety Audits (RSA) 

When it comes to traffic and safety engineering projects, one essential practice is conducting Road Safety Audits (RSAs). These audits play a crucial role in enhancing pedestrian safety and overall road safety. But what exactly are Road Safety Audits, and why are they important? 

What is a Road Safety Audit (RSA)? 

A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal process where a team of independent stakeholders examine the safety aspects of a transportation project. This team looks at traffic volumes, crash data, and existing operations of the facility to identify potential safety issues and suggest improvements. 

Why Are RSAs Important? 

RSAs are crucial for several reasons: 

1. Improving Safety: The main goal is to enhance the safety of all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. 
2. Preventing Crashes: By identifying crash trends, RSAs help identify both short and long term measures to address specific safety concerns. 
3. Cost-Effective: RSA’s are a relatively low cost effort to identify issues and potential solutions. The efforts of an RSA can help to inform the and set the stage for the design of a project.

When Are RSAs Conducted? 

RSAs can be conducted at different stages of a road project: 

1. Feasibility Stage: Before the project begins, to identify potential safety concerns. 
2. Design Stage: During the planning and design process, to ensure safety measures are included. 
3. Construction Stage: While the road is being built, to spot any emerging safety issues/trends. 
4. Pre-Opening Stage: Just before the road is opened to the public, to ensure it is safe for use. 
5. Post-Opening Stage: After the road is in use, to identify any unforeseen safety problems that may arise. 

Who Conducts RSAs? 

RSAs are typically conducted by a team of varying background and expertise. The team is independent of the project team to ensure an unbiased review. The team often includes: 

1. Traffic Engineers 
2. Road Safety Specialists 
3. Pedestrian Safety Experts 
4. Emergency Services 
5. Local Officials 
6. Law Enforcement 

What Do RSAs Involve? 

During an RSA, the team will: 

1. Review Project Data: Review traffic data, crash data, and any other information that may be available to understand the current operations. 
2. Conduct a Site Visit: Visit the site to observe current conditions and potential hazards. 
3. Identify Safety Issues: Pinpoint areas where safety could be improved. 
4. Recommend Improvements: Provide suggestions to mitigate identified risks. 

Benefits of RSAs 

Conducting an RSA offers numerous benefits, including: 

1. Enhanced Safety: Identifies both short and long term solutions that are aimed to reduce the risk of crashes and injuries.
2. Diverse Perspective: The RSA Team is made up of a diverse group which allows for a variety of perspectives and opinions.
3. Long-Term Savings: Having a RSA performed prior to any design work can result in cost savings by engaging key stakeholders early in the process and prior to any design effort. 

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT