This module provides the learner with advanced and specified learning and knowledge relating to road safety engineering and collision analysis so that collision data collection and statistical analysis of collisions can inform the learner of the procedures required to assess the causes of accidents and determine potential engineering solutions. Traffic conflicts and management areas are also explored. The module addresses road scheme design and speed management for urban and rural roads with an emphasis on the safety of vulnerable road users and non-motorised users.

This module also provides the learner with advanced learning and knowledge relating to the road safety audit process for urban and rural road schemes in Ireland. The requirements and procedures for the auditing of schemes at various stages from route selection to operation is a key focus of the module.

A review is undertaken of the TII standards for Road Safety Audit, and other TII standards based on the requirements of the Road Infrastructure Safety Management EU Directive, including Road Safety Impact Assessments. The implications for practical auditing of the safety of routes, designs, construction and operation are investigated by means of theory lectures and individual assignments. The communication of safety problems and potential solutions between the audit team and design team at each of the specified stages are also explored.

1. Critique and interpret the roles and responsibilities of organisations in Ireland relating to road safety andthe requirements and implications of the implementation of the EU Road Infrastructure Safety Management Directive2008/96/EC

2. Investigatethe causes of road collisions andevaluate the efficacy ofrelevant data collection methodologies and data analysis techniques.

3. Critique current road safety engineering processes, conflicts, remedial options,accident investigation,and economic analysis methodologies.

4. Appreciate therequirements for rural and urban road network design, speed management,and the specification of facilitiesfor the general safety and protection ofvulnerable and non-motorised users.

5. Appraisetheroles and responsibilities associated with current Irishroad safety and quality auditing processes for bothaudit and design teams.

6. Proposepotential solutions based on risk analysis and hazard identification for both rural and urban road schemesat specified stages of road planning, design, construction and operation.

7. Communicate effectively and critically the outcomes of both design and construction stage audits to the designteam and other representatives of the employer and contractor where appropriate,and evaluate designer responses based on best practicetechnical and operational knowledge.

8. Report criticallyonthe findings of road safety and urban road quality auditsat the specified stages using acquired knowledge and expertisepertaining toselected scheme case studies..

This module provides the learner with practical guidance on the processes and analysis required for collision analysis and road safety auditing of both urban and rural road schemes by means of workshops which incorporate classroom workshop activities and facilitated site visits with unsupervised team audits of current road schemes.

The module is assessed by means of two major individual assignments that relate to both the facilitated and group site visits and workshops, and subsequent analysis and reporting of the safety characteristics of specific road schemes on an individual basis.

1. Conduct, in a group or team,acollision investigation and safety analysis pertaining to a section of rural or urban road visited to meet the requirements of the current TII Road Safety standards and EU RISM Directive.

2. Appraise and report critically on their own the findings of acollision investigation and safety analysis of a section of rural or urban road to meet current TII and EU standards.

3. Perform and evaluate in a group or team asiteaudit at Stage 3 in the TII Road Safety Audit process(Completion of construction prior to opening) foran approved existing urban or rural road scheme.

4. Analyse and assessthe findings froma Stage 3 Road Safety Audit for a road schemeusing the format prescribed in the TII Road Safety Audit standards.