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                Media ContactsMenu FHWA Highway Safety Programs Home
                        FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines


            
            In This Section
        Safety Data Analysis & Tools
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                Pre-construction Phase: Prompt List 3 – Final Design Stage Audit
General Topics

Drainage
	Landscaping
	Utilities
	Access to property and developments
	Emergencies; break downs; emergency and service vehicle access
	Future reconstruction projects (widening and/or realignments)
	Staging of construction
	Adjacent developments
	Stability of cut and fill
	Skid Resistance
	Maintenance
	Human Factors
	Changes since previous auditDesign Issues

Geometry of horizontal and vertical alignment
	Typical cross sections and recovery zones
	Effect of cross sectional variation
	Roadway layout
	Shoulders and edge treatment
	Effect of departures from standards or guidelinesAlignment Details

Visibility and sight distance
	New/existing road transitions
	'Readability' (perception) of the alignment by drivers
	Detail of geometric design
	Transitions to bridges and culverts
	Combinations of featuresIntersections

Visibility to and visibility at intersections
	Layout
	'Readability' (perception) by drivers
	Pedestrians, bicyclists
	Detailed geometric design
	Traffic signals
	Signing and marking
	Roundabouts
	Other Intersections
	LightingInterchanges

Visibility
	Layout
	Lanes, shoulders
	Ramps
	Pedestrians, bicyclists
	Signing and marking
	Clearances, visual perception of structures
	LightingSpecial Road Users

Adjacent land
	Pedestrians
	Bicyclists
	Older drivers
	Motorcyclists
	Equestrians and stock
	Motor carriers
	Public transport
	Road maintenance vehicles
	Snowmobiles and ATVs
	Special (slow moving) vehiclesLighting, Signs and Delineation

Lighting
	Signs
	Marking and delineationRoadside

Median barriers
	Poles and other obstructions
	Roadside barriers
	Pedestrian railing
	Bridges, culverts and causeways/floodwaysEnvironmental Constraints

Weather, sunlight
	Noise barriers, wildlife fencing
	Animal crossings
	Visual distractions
	Unstable landSafety Aspects Not Already Covered

Special events, consequent unusual or hazardous conditions, oversize vehicles, etc.
      
  Book traversal links for Pre-construction Phase: Prompt List 3 – Final Design Stage Audit
      ‹ Pre-construction Phase: Prompt List 2 – Preliminary Design Stage Audit
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                    Construction Phase: Prompt List 4 – Work Zone Traffic Control Plan Audit ›
                
                Book:FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines
              Preface
                1.0 Introduction
                2.0 Implementation of Road Safety Audits
                3.0 Overview of Road Safety Audit Process
                4.0 Conducting Road Safety Audits
                5.0 Pre-construction Road Safety Audits
                6.0 Construction Road Safety Audits
                7.0 Post-construction Road Safety Audits
                8.0 Road Safety Audit Prompt Lists
                Prompt List
                Pre-construction Phase: Prompt List 1 – Planning Stage Audit
                Pre-construction Phase: Prompt List 2 – Preliminary Design Stage Audit
                Pre-construction Phase: Prompt List 3 – Final Design Stage Audit
                Construction Phase: Prompt List 4 – Work Zone Traffic Control Plan Audit
                Construction Phase: Prompt List 5 – Pre-Opening Stage Audit
                Post-construction Phase: Prompt List 6 – Existing Road Audit
                Development Projects: Prompt List 7 – Land Use Development Proposals Audit
                Appendix A
                Appendix B U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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