USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                    About FHWAFHWA Organization
                Headquarters Offices
                Field Offices
                Strategic Plan
                Business Opportunities
                Staff Directories
                Careers
                Highway History
                Contact UsProgramsAcquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                Safety
                Browse by TopicsResourcesCore Highway Topics
                Federal Aid Essentials
                Automation
                Complete Streets
                Laws and Regulations
                Policy & Guidance Center
                Section 508
                Publications and Statistics
                Professional Development
                National Highway Institute
                Resource Center
                Accessibility Resource Library
                FHWA Research LibraryNewsroomPress Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Photos
                Videos
                Media ContactsMenu FHWA Highway Safety Programs Home
                        Strategic Highway Safety Plans: A Champion's Guidebook to Saving Lives, Second Edition


            
            In This Section
        Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
                                Overview
                About
                Planning
                Implementing
                Evaluating
                Reporting
                Noteworthy Practices
                Legislation and Guidance
                Resources
                HSIP Special Rules
                Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
                                Overview
                About
                Develop
                Implement
                Evaluate
                Promote
                Legislation and Guidance
                Resources
                Noteworthy Practices
                Safety Performance Measure
                                Overview
                State Safety Performance Targets
                Policy & Guidance
                Fact Sheets & Informational Webinars
                Target-Setting Resources
                Safety Data Resources
                State Safety Reports
                Safety Contacts
                Technical Assistance & Training
                Railway Highway Crossing Program
                                Overview
                Policy and Guidance
                Resources
                
                Chapter 4 – SHSP Preparation
Introduction

The SHSP should clearly and concisely describe the State’s safety problem and describe a program of priorities and strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on all roadways in the State. While the State DOT is ultimately responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the SHSP, the safety partners should agree with the plan and its components. In addition, as part of FHWA’s oversight and stewardship responsibilities, FHWA Division Administrators will verify that the State has followed a process that is consistent with SHSP requirements. The Governor or a responsible State agency must provide approval and sign the final SHSP (23 U.S.C. 148(a)(12)(G)).

SHSP Format

The format of the SHSP should be discussed among the safety partners and the final format should be broadly supported among them. Some States have found it beneficial to structure the SHSP so that frequently updated sections, such as Emphasis Area Action Plans, are kept separate from the main document. During development, a review process should be established so appropriate parties have the opportunity to review and edit the SHSP and approve the final version. To monitor progress, a person (or persons) should be assigned the responsibility to prepare the SHSP or SHSP sections. A recommended SHSP format is outlined below:

**Table of Contents.**
	**Executive Summary:** This section summarizes or provides a snapshot of the contents of the SHSP. It may highlight significant achievements, the mission, vision, and goal of the SHSP, the emphasis areas, etc.
	**Mission, Vision, and Goal Statements:** This section highlights the mission, vision, and goal of the SHSP. These are usually high-level statements that capture the safety values and aspirations of the State.
	**Safety Partners:** This section lists and thanks all of the safety partners involved in the SHSP effort. It is an opportunity to highlight the collaborative nature of the SHSP and acknowledge the work of all involved.
	**Introduction and Background:** This section summarizes past accomplishments, challenges, and ongoing SHSP efforts as well as highlights directions for the future.
	**Development Methods or Approach:** Legislation requires a detailed description of the SHSP update process. States can include a section in their SHSP that provides this description, such as the data analysis and problem identification methods used, as well as other considerations incorporated into the update.
	**Emphasis Areas:** This section describes the States priority safety problems that will be addressed. Each emphasis area should contain:
	Goals;
		Performance Measures;
		Measurable Objectives; and
		Strategies and Countermeasures.
	SHSP Implementation: This section describes and documents the State’s implementation approach (strategies and processes).
	SHSP Evaluation: This section describes and documents the State’s monitoring and evaluation methods.
	Emphasis Area Action Plans: These action plans identify specific action steps for each countermeasure, responsible agency or agencies, timelines, etc. They may be included as appendices, a separate chapter, or prepared separately from the SHSP document. Some States have separated the emphasis area action plans from the master SHSP document to facilitate modifications. See Chapter 5 for more details on developing emphasis area action plans.SHSPs are dynamic plans and the emphasis areas goals, strategies, and countermeasures are adjusted based on monitoring, course corrections, and the achievement of performance goals. Because of its dynamic nature, the SHSP should be written in a format that facilitates updating. A process must be established to develop, implement, and update the SHSP regularly and according to regulatory requirements (23 CFR 924; MAP-21 requires the Regulation to be updated by 2013).

Checklist

Following the recommended steps in the checklist below will help with the preparation of the SHSP document.

❑ Designate a person (or persons) to prepare the SHSP or SHSP sections.

❑ Gain consensus on the SHSP format (such as the contents, chapters, etc.).

❑ Develop an SHSP format that is conducive to updates. Establish a process for review and approval of the draft SHSP and SHSP process by the appropriate parties (e.g., FHWA) and to incorporate feedback into the final version.

❑ Obtain approval and signature by the Governor or designee.

❑ Establish a process and schedule to facilitate future updates.
      
  Book traversal links for Chapter 4 – SHSP Preparation
      ‹ Chapter 3 – SHSP Content
                    Up
                    Chapter 5 – SHSP Implementation and Evaluation ›
                
                Book:Strategic Highway Safety Plans: A Champion's Guidebook to Saving Lives, Second Edition
              Foreword
                Overview
                Chapter 1 – SHSP Fundamentals
                Chapter 2 – Data Collection and Analysis
                Chapter 3 – SHSP Content
                Chapter 4 – SHSP Preparation
                Chapter 5 – SHSP Implementation and Evaluation
                Conclusion
                Resources U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FHWA
                Careers
                Org Chart
                Staff Directories
                Work with UsPrograms
  

        
              Acquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                SafetyPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Accessibility
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web StandardsNews & Events
  

        
              Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Media Contacts
                Connect with Us