The Safe System approach to road safety has been adopted by each Australian jurisdiction. This approach recognises that humans, as road users are fallible and will continue to make mistakes. There are also limits to the kinetic energy exchange which humans can tolerate (e.g. during the rapid deceleration associated with a crash) before serious injury or death occurs. The Safe System approach requires that infrastructure be designed to take account of these errors and vulnerabilities so that road users are able to avoid serious injury or death on the road.
ARRB recently held a national roundtable event to examine infrastructure options that might help achieve Safe System outcomes. The event was held on Friday 27th March, with around 40 senior managers from Australia and New Zealand participating. Discussion included current progress towards implementing Safe System principles, and options for future implementation.