Local Rural Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Case Studies

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to improve the safety performance of local rural roads in South Dakota by promoting road safety audits (RSAs) and by providing a toolbox of low-cost safety improvement strategies to county highway superintendents and local highway agencies. The study conducted RSAs at 12 selected sites along county highways, city streets, and township roads. RSA projects were selected through South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program promotion and commitments from South Dakota local agencies. The study exposed local governments to the concept and practices of road safety analysis. The study also provided a good opportunity for local highway agency staff members to participate and gain experience by working with road safety teams. This paper reports on the procedures and the results of the rural road RSAs and identifies guidelines to conduct RSAs on local rural roads to help local agencies identify, prioritize, and implement safety improvements.