FHWA Encourages Road Safety Audits

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a Road Safety Audit (RSA) is the formal examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent team of experienced specialists. This team assesses the crash potential and safety performance of the roadway or intersection and prepares a report that identifies potential safety issues --- before they are built into the project.

The FHWA is working with the States and local jurisdictions to integrate Road Safety Audits into the process of roadway project development, construction, and operation and to conduct RSAs on existing roads and intersections. FHWA is encouraging all states and local transportation departments to conduct road safety audits.

Colorado LTAP is offering two Road Safety Audit courses this Spring to be held on April 27 in Grand Junction at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, and April 29 in Colorado Springs at El Paso County DOT. Please contact CLTAP for more details.

NHI has also developed an RSA training course. Course information and scheduling may be obtained at www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov, course #280069A, or contact Danielle Mathis-Less at 703-235-0528 or danielle.mathis-lee@fhwa.dot.gov.

For additional information on how to begin your own road safety audit program, contact Louisa Ward, FHWA RSA Program Manager, at 202-366-2218 or louisa.ward@fhwa.dot.gov.

Or visit the Road Safety Audits Web site at www.roadwaysafetyaudits.org.