Development of a Safety Management System

The Safety Management System (SMS) is one of six management systems mandated by Section 1 034 of the 1991 lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). The overall goal of a SMS is to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes. lt is to be comprehensive in that it incorporates all public roads and all contributing factors associated with the driver, the vehicle, and the roadway. The objective of this study was to develop a procedure to implement a SMS for Kentucky. A recommended process is described. Agencies and organizations were identified which have a role or interest in traffic safety. Contacts were made with these agencies and organizations, and their activities in the area of traffic safety were described. The purpose of these contacts was to establish a safety inventory for the state. The composition of a Safety Management Steering Committee was recommended along with subcommittees in the general areas of roadway, human, and vehicle factors, as well as information services and evaluation. Data needs to be used in the implementation of the SMS were identified. An evaluation process was described. A schedule for the implementation of the SMS was recommended