Safe System Approach

The Safe System Approach has been adopted by the U. S. Department of Transportation as the guiding paradigm to address roadway safety.

Principles of a Safe System Approach

On the circumference is a band with six safe system principles:

• Death and serious injuries are unacceptable
• Humans make mistakes
• Humans are vulnerable
• Responsibility is shared
• Safety is proactive
• Redundancy is crucial

Inside the circle is divided into five sections with logos representing each section:

• Safer vehicles
• Safer speeds
• Safer roads
• Post-crash care
• Safer people

Safety Handout