This guide is part of a series of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guides, collectively entitled “A Manual for Local Rural Road Owners.” The Manual provides information related to various safety topics of interest to local road managers and other practitioners that are responsible for owning, designing, operating, and maintaining local rural roads. The topics are presented in a way that will not be overwhelming for most local agencies, and regularly includes definitions and reasoning when appropriate to reinforce the concepts.

This particular guide addresses the need and process for developing local road safety plans (LRSP). LRSPs are presented as a means for focusing efforts and strategies for safety improvements, and provides a framework for carrying out these improvements at the local level. They can help communities take a proactive approach toward eliminating fatalities and injuries or load roads.

A six step process is put forward for the development of LSRPs:

1. Establish Leadership.
2. Analyze Safety Data.
3. Determine Emphasis Areas.
4. Identify Strategies.
5. Prioritize and Incorporate Strategies.
6. Evaluate and Update the LRSP.

The guide also provides an overview of common issues, opportunities, and challenges related to LRSPs. Concerns related to personnel, funding, and limited data are discussed.