Implementing the Safe System Approach Course

Registration for this course will open January 2, 2025.

When: April 9 -- May 21, 2025

Course Description

The Implementing the Safe System Approach course is a new certificate-based blending learning course that will provide an in-depth understanding of the Safe System Approach and its application.  The Safe System Approach is a holistic and strategic level approach to achieving zero transportation-related severe injuries and fatalities.  At its foundation, the Safe System Approach acknowledges that humans make mistakes and are vulnerable to crash impacts.  This approach is a change from traditional safety practice and is based on shared responsibility, redundancy, and proactive action across five elements: Safe Road Users, Safe Vehicles, Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, and Post-Crash Care. The intended audience for the course is transportation planners, engineers, safety data analysts, public health professionals, and other key stakeholders with shared responsibility within the Safe System. 

This online blending learning course will consist of pre-recorded modules delivered by subject matter experts and four live instructor-led discussion sessions. The first live session features an introduction to Safe System Theory and Practice, including an overview of new legislation and programs.  The remainder of the modules will include the following:

• Shared responsibility and the System Steward 

• Safe System and Public Health Considerations

• Equity and community engagement 

• Human factors and traffic safety culture 

• Analyzing and planning for Safe System implementation  

• Managing speed with a system approach 

• Safe System interventions for common road safety problems 

• Implementing and evaluating Safe System interventions 

• Funding Safe System Implementation

• Building and maintaining partnerships and political support for Safe System interventions    

Individuals who successfully complete this program will receive an ITE Implementing the Safe System Approach Certificate. Those holding level one and level two Road Safety Professional certifications will particularly benefit from the deep dive into this key safety topic as well as receiving professional development hours or certification maintenance credits. 

Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the limitations of conventional approaches to safety policy, planning, and practice. 

• Explore a balance of responsibility between road users and system owners. 

• Apply Safe System principles to support transportation and health equity. 

• Understand what shapes human behavior and traffic safety culture. 

• Identify approaches to developing a local Vision Zero or Comprehensive Safety Action Plan 

• Learn how transportation professionals can successfully work with political leaders, community activists, public health leaders, law enforcement officials, and other key stakeholders. 

• Understand the safe systems pyramid and the fundamentals of public health for safety. 

• Use qualitative and quantitative data to support proactive and systemic safety planning. 

• Analyze techniques for influencing speed through road design, operational considerations, and behavior change. 

• Implement Safe System interventions based on different contexts, including rural and urban, and areas with vulnerable road users. 

• Recognize barriers to Safe System adoption, including institutional and professional incentives, and how to encourage change. 

• Propose approaches for initiating and sustaining local cross-sector collaborations. 

• Compare methods for measuring safety and equity benefits and evaluate the effectiveness of Safe System interventions.

• Identify funding sources and opportunities for Safe System Implementation.

Instructor Information

• Meghan F. Mitman, AICP, RSP2I | Lead Developer | FEHR & PEERS 

• Luana Broshears, PhD, PE, PTOE, RSP2i, ITE Technical Staff Liaison | Planning and Safety Director | ITE

• Guest instructors: Subject matter experts with extensive experience in Safe System Approach preparation and review will also provide instruction on several modules. These guest instructors’ information and full bios are provided on the module pages they developed.