A monitoring and evaluation framework for road safety programs in NSW is being developed for application to all RTA Road Safety programs. One approach we are trialing is the development of an evaluation in the form of a risk management profile. To achieve the general objective set for each road safety program, there are several factors which may prevent achievement of that aim. Traditionally, evaluation has had the task of measuring the extent to which the objective has been achieved. Many times we fall short of this goal because we don't have measures for all of our objectives. The risks which may prevent a successful outcome for a program may include: an increase in risk factors, a reduction in support from the community or stakeholders, or an increase in the social and cultural influences working against your objectives. To reduce the potential effect of each risk and its consequences, controls need to be put in place. These control strategies collectively make up the Program. The RTA's Speed Management Program will be used as an example. This approach can be used particularly when the information for traditional evaluation is scarce. When there is not enough information on which to value a strategy, managers will make an assessment based on the information at hand and their knowledge and experience of the issue. The risk management approach aims to capture that process and make it more explicit. Its main benefits are that the profile attempts to value an activity from the perspective of all of the reasons it was chosen. These reasons may include political, stakeholder influence and public relations, as well as reductions in injuries. (A)
Abstract