FAQ
What is the Safe System Manual?
The Safe System Manual is designed to support road safety professionals and their partners across Scotland. It has been created to enhance understanding about how we can more effectively deliver a road network that is safe for all who use it, in accordance with the internationally recognised approach, known as the Safe System. To find out more visit this page on The Safe System in Scotland.
Why was the manual created?
Several international guides exist that explain ‘why’ the Safe System is the best way for countries to improve their road safety performance, but they rarely explain how to go about doing it. After embarking on delivery of the ambitious Road Safety Framework to 2030, Transport Scotland recognised that there was a significant need to build capability and capacity among professional practitioners in Scotland. In addition to developing training materials and delivering courses, the manual is an important support resource to help improve our shared approach to road safety. Try out this introductory eLearning module on the Safe System.
Who was the manual created for?
The Safe System is a holistic approach that integrates the efforts of many organisations, so this manual considers the needs of a wide variety of potential users, especially from acorss the public sector such as highway authorities and blue light services. The material is principally designed for professional practitioners to help them with programme planning, designing interventions, making investment decisions and evaluating their work. This page explains in alittle more detail who the manual is designed to support.
How can I setup an account?
To access the full manual, you will need a user account which is open to any members of the professional road safety community in Scotland. On the page 'How to Use This Manual', you can follow the instructions on ‘How To Create A User Account In SafeSystem.scot’ to create your account and secure access to the platform.
Where should I start?
Where to start will depend on your current knowledge and understanding of road safety and the Safe System. If you would like to begin with a accessible overview, then the eLearning module that is available here is a great place to start. If you already have a good understanding then you might want to start exploring the content as arranged under the 5 Components of the Safe System, using the category headings down the left hand menu.
Before going too far, we also recommend that you give some time to look over the pages on ‘Thinking Systemically’. These will help you to consider some of the ways in which our Safe System thinking represents an update from historical road safety practice.
How does search work in the manual?
The search functionality on SafeSystem.scot is designed to help users quickly find relevant information and resources related to road safety; it also integrates the latest AI technology to make your search even more powerful. To maximise your experience and ensure you can locate the materials you need efficiently, we have created a section on using search here.