The Safe System Approach is a paradigm shift from the traditional approach to traffic safety because of its focus on proactively considering safety, providing redundancy to reduce crash severity, and accommodating human mistakes. The approach aims to address and mitigate the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the complex transportation system.
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A Breakdown
The Safe System Approach is founded on six principals:
- Death and serious injury are unacceptable
- Humans make mistakes
- Humans are vulnerable
- Responsibility is shared
- Safety is proactive
- Redundancy is critical
Each principal has an important influence. Together, they can provide a foundation for real-world applications.
The Role of State Transportation Agencies
Because state departments of transportation are responsible for the planning, design, and operation of the major roads in the state, the principle of sharing responsibility is one that is not easy to address. The Safe Approach Wheel promoted by the Federal Highway Administration includes safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads, and post-crash care. Safe roads are the natural province state road agencies, but the other elements of the wheel rely on “industry partners.” Developing these partnerships are the key to a safe system.
Why Local Governments Matter
Local governments are important partners in addressing the safe speeds and post-crash care elements of the Safe Approach Wheel. Local governments have police to enforce speed laws and other traffic regulations. They also provide fire service and ambulance service that can address the post-crash care of the Safe Approach Wheel.
Metro Detroit’s Traffic Incident Management Example
When Metro Detroit established a traffic incident management program for the region, the key partners were the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan State Police, and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. The Council of Governments encompasses seven counties and over 200 municipalities. With the connections to local governments, we were able to further incorporate police, fire and ambulance services into the process of safe, quick clearance of traffic incidents. The safety includes both the travelers and the first responders. The partnerships fostered by Metro Detroit’s traffic incident management program can provide a guide to sharing responsibility for the Safe Speeds and Post-Crash Care elements of the Safe System Approach Wheel.
Learn More About Transportation Safety Planning
If your municipality, agency, or organization is exploring transportation safety strategies and infrastructure planning, Beaubien Engineering, LLC, can help. Our team provides experienced engineering insight and practical guidance for safer, more connected communities. Learn about our services or contact us today.