Project Background
The 'Building Capacity in the Safe System' project is a strategic initiative spearheaded by Transport Scotland, aiming to enhance road safety practices across the country by embedding the Safe System approach among those involved in delivering road safety measures. This project is part of a broader effort to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities by promoting a systemic and proactive approach to road safety.
Rationale
Transport Scotland's initiative to enhance road safety practices through the ‘Building Capacity in the Safe System’ project is driven by recognition of the complex and multifaceted nature of road safety challenges. Traditional approaches, which often focus on individual interventions, have proven insufficient in addressing the multiple casual factors related to road traffic incidents. The Safe System approach advocates for a broader view, considering all elements of the road traffic system — roads and roadsides, speeds, vehicles, and road users — and their interactions.
The rationale behind this project was to shift the focus from reactive measures to proactive strategies that prevent road traffic incidents from occurring in the first place. By investing in a Safe System culture, providing tailored training resources, enhancing data capabilities, and developing a comprehensive manual, Transport Scotland has sought to equip road safety practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively implement Safe System principles. This strategic investment is expected to lead to a significant reduction in road traffic injuries and fatalities, aligning with Scotland’s broader road safety goals.
In summary, the 'Building Capacity in the Safe System' project represents a forward-thinking and comprehensive approach to road safety, aiming to transform how road safety is understood and practised in Scotland. Through this initiative, Transport Scotland seeks to create a safer road environment for all users by embedding a culture of safety and proactive risk management across the country.
Project Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of the project was to support Transport Scotland in developing Safe System capacity among road safety practitioners. The specific objectives were as follows:
- Invest in Safe System Culture: To ensure that the Safe System approach is adopted and ingrained as a standard practice across Scotland.
- Create Tailored Training Resources: To develop a suite of training materials specifically designed to meet the needs of those involved in road safety in Scotland.
- Enhance Performance and Analysis: To work with analytical teams to identify and implement data improvements that support the Safe System approach.
- Develop a Safe System Manual: To collaborate with international experts to create a comprehensive guidebook for Scottish practitioners, facilitating the application of Safe System principles.
Key Activities
To achieve these objectives, the project encompasses a series of key activities, including:
- Safe System Primer eLearning Course: An introductory online course to familiarise road safety professionals with the fundamental concepts of the Safe System approach.
- Data RoadMap: A strategic plan outlining steps to enhance the collection, analysis, and utilisation of road safety data.
- Safe System Foundation Courses: Two foundational training courses designed to build core competencies in Safe System principles among road safety professionals.
- Safe System Implementation Course Curriculum and Facilitation Guide: Detailed curriculum and guidance for implementing Safe System strategies.
- Safe System Culture Playbook: A resource providing guidance on cultivating a Safe System culture within road safety organisations.
- Framework for Safe System Manual: A structured outline for a comprehensive manual to guide Safe System practices in Scotland.