What is primarily examined during a Road Safety Audit (RSA)?

During a Road Safety Audit (RSA), the primary focus is on safety performance. An RSA is a formal examination of the safety aspects of a road or intersection, conducted at various stages of a project, including planning, design, and before its opening. The objective is to identify potential safety issues and recommend improvements to enhance the safety of all road users.

This process involves analyzing the road’s design and traffic operations, assessing the interaction between different users (such as vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists), and considering the overall road environment. The key is to ensure that the final design or existing conditions prioritize safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving the road's functional characteristics.

While factors like budget and funding, environmental impacts, and community feedback are important in a broader project context, they are not the central focus during a Road Safety Audit, where the emphasis is strictly on evaluating safety performance and addressing any identified safety concerns.