This guide outlines the use of RSAs as a formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team.  RSA teams consider the safety of all road users, identify potential road safety issues, and report on opportunities for safety improvement. RSAs can be conducted for existing or planned facilities during pre-construction phases (planning and design), during construction, or in post-construction phases (operations and maintenance).

The guide presents the following eight-step process for conducting RSAs:

• Identify project or existing road to be audited.
• Select RSA team.
• Conduct a pre-audit meeting to review project information.
• Perform field reviews under various conditions.
• Conduct audit analysis and prepare report of findings.
• Present audit findings to Project Owner/Design Team.
• Prepare formal response.
• Incorporate findings into the project when appropriate.

Seven brief case studies are also presented that demonstrate ways in which agencies have used RSAs within their safety programs. The case studies explain the context of the project and discuss an overview of the RSA team’s recommendations.