Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Australia and New Zealand have made substantial gains in road safety over several decades, but progress has slowed. New Austroads research shows that sustained improvement depends not only on effective road safety interventions, but also on the management systems, accountability and leadership that support their delivery.
The research identifies 10 components of effective road safety management, drawing on established frameworks and an examination of institutional arrangements across Australia and New Zealand. It confirms that many of the foundations are already in place, including lead agencies, legislation, funding and data, while highlighting the importance of how these elements work together.
“Good road safety strategies and interventions need effective systems behind them,” said Michael Nieuwesteeg, Austroads’ Road Safety and Design Program Manager. “How actions are coordinated, monitored and evaluated influences our ability to understand what is working and maintain progress over time.”
The review validates frameworks and principles regarded as good practice over the past 20 to 30 years, including Vision Zero, the Safe System approach, the Global Road Safety Facility road safety management framework and ISO 39001. The 10 components identified through the review provide a practical basis for considering how road safety interventions are supported and implemented.
A key finding is the importance of accountability for road safety results. Governments, regulators, road managers, vehicle suppliers, employers, industry and road users all have different roles within the road transport system. The research highlights the value of defining these responsibilities and establishing ways to monitor and evaluate their contribution to safety outcomes.
The findings also draw attention to the role of system leaders: people with top-level decision-making authority who can influence priorities, resources and the way organisations work together. Interviews with system leaders and road safety experts found that this role is largely about leading change across a complex system, rather than addressing technical issues alone.
“System leaders can influence road safety well beyond individual programs or projects,” Michael Nieuwesteeg said. “Their ability to build partnerships, navigate competing priorities and maintain a long-term focus on safety is an important part of achieving sustained results.”
The research found that road safety system leaders largely develop their capabilities through experience, with little professional development specifically designed for this role. It identifies areas that could support system leadership, including systems thinking, safety performance reporting, stronger government partnerships, support for local government and greater recognition of leaders who achieve results.
Download Review of Road Safety Management: Frameworks, Principles and System Leadership.