A Road Safety Audit Checklist helps teams spot road hazards, review key design features, and plan fixes before small risks lead to serious crashes in time.

Road safety is a shared duty. Every road must protect drivers, passengers, cyclists, and people on foot. However, poor road design, weak signs, damaged surfaces, and poor lighting can put them at risk. A regular road safety audit helps teams find these issues and take action.

With eAuditor Audits & Inspections, teams can use digital checklists to inspect roads, record hazards, add photos, and track safety actions. This makes each audit clear, simple, and easy to review. Whether you manage public roads, private roads, or worksite routes, a Road Safety Audit Checklist can help you build safer routes for all.

What Is a Road Safety Audit?

A road safety audit is a planned review of a road or highway. It helps find features that may cause crashes or injuries. The audit team checks the road layout, traffic signs, road surface, lighting, and other safety features.

The team also looks at how people use the road. For example, a sharp bend may hide oncoming traffic. A poor crossing may put children at risk. A blocked footpath may force people to walk near moving vehicles.

A Road Safety Audit Checklist helps auditors review these points in a clear way. It also helps them record each issue and suggest a fix.

A good audit should:

• Find road hazards before they cause harm.
• Check road design and traffic flow.
• Review signs, signals, and road markings.
• Check safe access for walkers and cyclists.
• Spot risks at junctions and crossings.
• Review road lighting and sight distance.
• Record hazards with clear evidence.
• Assign actions to the right people.
• Track each action until the team closes it.

Why Is a Road Safety Audit Checklist Important?

Road risks can affect many people. Even a small defect can lead to a serious crash. For this reason, road teams should check each part of a route.

A Road Safety Audit Checklist helps teams follow the same steps during each review. It also makes it easier to compare results from one audit to the next.

Here are some key benefits.

1. Find Hazards Early

A regular audit helps teams spot risks before they cause harm. For example, an audit may find a damaged barrier, a blind bend, or a loose road surface.

2. Protect All Road Users

Drivers are not the only people who use roads. Pedestrians, cyclists, children, older people, and people with disabilities also need safe routes. An audit helps teams check their needs.

3. Improve Road Design

Poor road layout can cause confusion. A road safety audit checks lane width, curves, junctions, and sight distance. As a result, teams can suggest changes that make roads safer.

4. Keep Clear Records

A checklist helps auditors record what they find. They can add notes, photos, and other details. This gives managers a clear record of each issue.

5. Support Legal and Safety Duties

Road teams must follow the rules that apply to their roads and projects. A well-planned audit helps them review key safety needs. However, a checklist alone does not prove legal compliance.

6. Track Safety Actions

Finding a hazard is only the first step. Teams must also fix it. A digital audit helps managers assign tasks, set due dates, and review progress.

When Should You Conduct a Road Safety Audit?

Road safety audits can take place at different stages of a road project. The timing depends on the project, the road authority, and the rules that apply.

Common audit stages include:

1. Early Design Stage

Review the first road plans. Check the route, road width, junctions, crossings, and traffic flow. Early checks can help teams avoid costly changes later.

2. Detailed Design Stage

Review the final design plans. Check signs, signals, lighting, road markings, and access points. Look for any feature that may create a risk.

3. Before Opening the Road

Inspect the finished road before traffic starts to use it. Check the road surface, signs, barriers, crossings, and other safety features.

4. After Opening the Road

Review the road after it starts to carry traffic. Look for issues that may not have been clear during the design stage.

5. During Road Maintenance

Inspect roads after repairs or major changes. Also check work zones, temporary signs, diversions, and traffic controls.

6. After a Serious Crash

A safety review can help teams understand road-related risks. It can also help them find changes that may prevent similar events.

What Does a Road Safety Audit Checklist Cover?

A complete Road Safety Audit Checklist should cover the full road environment. It should not focus only on road signs or surface damage.

Here are the main areas to inspect.

1. Road Layout and Design

Road design affects how drivers move and react. Poor design can lead to sudden turns, unsafe overtaking, and loss of control.

Check the following:

• Is the road wide enough for the traffic?
• Are lanes clearly marked?
• Are bends easy to see?
• Is the road slope safe?
• Are shoulders wide enough?
• Can large vehicles use the road safely?
• Are medians and traffic islands in good shape?
• Does the road layout suit the speed limit?

Record any feature that may confuse drivers or reduce safe movement.

2. Visibility and Sight Distance

Drivers need enough time to see hazards and stop. Poor visibility can make this hard.

During the audit, check:

• Can drivers see far enough ahead?
• Are trees or signs blocking the view?
• Can drivers see oncoming traffic at junctions?
• Are blind bends marked?
• Is there enough light at night?
• Can drivers see people at crossings?
• Are road signs easy to see from a safe distance?

Also check visibility in rain, fog, and other poor weather.

3. Road Signs and Markings

Signs and markings guide road users. They show speed limits, turns, hazards, and traffic rules.

Inspect the following:

• Are all required signs in place?
• Are signs clear and easy to read?
• Are speed limit signs correct?
• Are warning signs placed before hazards?
• Are road markings clear?
• Are lane arrows easy to follow?
• Are signs visible at night?
• Are damaged or faded signs replaced?
• Do trees or other objects hide signs?

Remove old or confusing signs where needed.

4. Traffic Signals and Junctions

Junctions bring many road users together. Poor design or weak traffic control can raise the risk of a crash.

Check:

• Do all traffic lights work?
• Are signals easy to see?
• Are stop lines clear?
• Are turning lanes marked?
• Can drivers see traffic from each approach?
• Are roundabouts easy to use?
• Are safe crossing points available?
• Are traffic islands in good shape?
• Do signs give clear directions?

Pay close attention to places where vehicle paths cross.

5. Pedestrian Safety

People on foot need safe paths and crossings. This is vital near schools, shops, bus stops, and busy roads.

Check:

• Are footpaths wide and clear?
• Are walking paths free from damage?
• Are pedestrian crossings easy to see?
• Do crossing signals work?
• Are ramps available where needed?
• Are handrails in good shape?
• Is there enough space for wheelchairs?
• Are barriers in place near unsafe areas?
• Are school zone signs clear?

Look for any point where people may need to walk close to moving traffic.

6. Cyclist Safety

Cyclists face extra risks when they share space with cars and trucks. A road audit should check if cycle routes are safe and easy to use.

Review:

• Are cycle lanes clearly marked?
• Are cycle lanes free from damage?
• Are warning signs in place?
• Can cyclists cross junctions safely?
• Are cycle routes free from parked vehicles?
• Do cycle lanes end at safe points?
• Is there enough space between cyclists and traffic?

Also check if road users can see cyclists at night.

7. Road Surface and Pavement

A poor road surface can cause skids, falls, and vehicle damage. It can also make it hard for drivers to control their vehicles.

Inspect:

• Potholes and cracks.
• Uneven road surfaces.
• Loose stones and debris.
• Damaged road edges.
• Worn road markings.
• Slippery surfaces.
• Water build-up.
• Poor drainage.
• Unsafe road-to-shoulder transitions.

Mark each defect and record its location. Take photos where needed.

8. Road Lighting

Good lighting helps people see the road and other road users. It also helps drivers spot hazards at night.

Check:

• Are street lights working?
• Are lights placed at key points?
• Are junctions well lit?
• Are crossings easy to see?
• Do trees block street lights?
• Are lighting poles safe?
• Are there dark patches on the road?
• Do signs remain clear at night?

Report any failed lights or areas with poor visibility.

9. Roadside Barriers and Safety Features

Barriers help protect road users from serious hazards. However, damaged or poorly placed barriers can create new risks.

Check:

• Are crash barriers in place where needed?
• Are guardrails in good condition?
• Are barrier ends safe?
• Are bridge barriers secure?
• Are safety fences in good shape?
• Are roadside poles at a safe distance?
• Are trees and fixed objects clear of the road?
• Are crash cushions in good condition?

Also check whether barriers protect people near steep slopes, bridges, and water bodies.

10. Drainage and Flood Risk

Poor drainage can make roads unsafe. Water can collect on the surface and reduce tyre grip.

Review:

• Are roadside drains clear?
• Are culverts free from blockage?
• Does water drain away from the road?
• Are there signs of flooding?
• Are drainage covers secure?
• Are roadside ditches in good shape?
• Are flood-prone areas marked?
• Are warning signs in place near water crossings?

Check drainage after heavy rain where possible.

11. Parking and Roadside Access

Poor parking can block views and reduce road space. Unsafe access points can also cause sudden stops and turns.

Check:

• Is parking allowed in safe areas?
• Do parked vehicles block signs?
• Can drivers see clearly at junctions?
• Are loading areas safe?
• Are driveways easy to enter and leave?
• Are delivery vehicles kept clear of traffic?
• Are bus stops placed in safe areas?

Note any parking issue that may affect traffic flow.

12. Heavy Vehicle Movement

Large vehicles need enough space to turn, stop, and move safely. This matters on industrial roads, highways, and worksite routes.

Inspect:

• Is the road wide enough for heavy vehicles?
• Are turning areas large enough?
• Are bridge limits clear?
• Are truck routes marked?
• Are safe rest areas available?
• Are shoulders in good shape?
• Are loading and unloading areas safe?
• Can large vehicles enter and leave safely?

Also check if heavy vehicles create risks for people walking or cycling.

13. Road Works and Temporary Traffic Control

Road work can change traffic flow and create new hazards. Workers and road users need clear signs and safe paths.

Check:

• Are road work signs easy to see?
• Are cones and barriers in good shape?
• Are lane closures clear?
• Are diversion routes marked?
• Are workers safe from moving traffic?
• Are temporary speed limits shown?
• Is night lighting adequate?
• Are unused signs and barriers removed?

Make sure the road returns to a safe layout after the work ends.

How to Conduct a Road Safety Audit

A clear process helps teams get useful results from each audit. Follow these steps to make the review simple and effective.

Step 1: Define the Audit Scope

Choose the road, route, or junction you want to inspect. Set the audit purpose and decide which areas need review.

Step 2: Review Existing Records

Study road plans, past audit reports, crash data, traffic reports, and maintenance records. These details can help the team spot areas that need more attention.

Step 3: Choose a Competent Audit Team

Select people with the right road safety knowledge and experience. Follow the rules set by the road authority or project owner.

Step 4: Prepare the Road Safety Audit Checklist

Use a clear checklist that covers the needs of the project. Add sections for road design, signs, crossings, lighting, drainage, and roadside safety.

Step 5: Inspect the Site

Visit the road and check each area. Where needed, inspect it during the day and at night. Also consider different weather and traffic conditions.

Step 6: Record Hazards

Write clear notes for each issue. Add the exact location, risk details, and photos where useful.

Step 7: Assess the Risk

Review how serious each hazard could be. Consider how likely it is to cause harm and who may be affected.

Step 8: Suggest Corrective Actions

Recommend practical steps to reduce each risk. Assign each task to the right person or team.

Step 9: Prepare the Audit Report

Summarise the findings, evidence, risk levels, and suggested actions. Keep the report clear and easy to follow.

Step 10: Track and Close Actions

Review each action until the team completes it. Check the site again where needed to confirm that the fix works.

Free Road Safety Audit Checklist from eAuditor

A good checklist helps auditors save time and follow a clear process. eAuditor offers a digital Road Safety Audit Checklist that covers key road safety areas.

The template includes checks for:

• Visibility and sight distance.
• Road design speed and speed limits.
• Overtaking and road width.
• Road shoulders and crossfalls.
• Drains and roadside slopes.
• Junctions and traffic control.
• Road signs and markings.
• Lighting and signal visibility.
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety.
• Crash barriers and roadside hazards.
• Bridge safety.
• Pavement defects and skid resistance.
• Parking and heavy vehicle movement.
• Flooding and roadside activities.

Auditors can use Yes, No, and N/A responses to record their findings. The checklist gives teams a structured way to review road conditions and identify areas that need action.

Get the free Road Safety Audit Checklist.

Related eAuditor Checklists for Road Safety

A road safety audit may need more than one checklist. For example, a road project may also involve vehicle checks, workplace transport, and heavy vehicle inspections.

eAuditor offers related templates that can support these tasks.

1. HSE Workplace Transport Checklist

This checklist helps teams review vehicle movement and pedestrian safety at work. It covers site rules, traffic routes, parking, vehicle selection, maintenance, reversing, loading, and driver competence.

It is useful for factories, warehouses, depots, and other sites where vehicles and people share space.

Use the HSE Workplace Transport Checklist.

2. Vehicle Inspection Checklist

This template helps teams check the basic condition of a vehicle. It covers seats, seat belts, wipers, the horn, dashboard lights, gauges, and key vehicle documents.

It works well as a supporting check for fleets that use public roads every day.

Use the Vehicle Inspection Checklist.

3. Driver Vehicle Inspection Report Template

This checklist covers key vehicle parts and systems. It includes brakes, the engine, battery, tyres, lights, mirrors, steering, wheels, and safety equipment.

Fleet teams can use it to record vehicle defects and support routine checks before trips.

Use the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report Template.

4. Heavy Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Heavy vehicles need extra checks because of their size and weight. This template covers lights, tyres, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, body parts, couplings, and the chassis.

It can support transport teams that manage trucks and other large vehicles.

Use the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Checklist.

These templates support different parts of a road and transport safety plan. Teams should choose the right checklist for each task and follow the rules that apply to their site.

How eAuditor Makes Road Safety Audits Easier

Paper checklists can take time to fill in and review. They can also make it hard to track open issues. A digital tool can help teams keep audit work in one clear process.

With eAuditor Audits & Inspections, teams can manage road safety checks with digital templates.

1. Use Digital Checklists

Start with a ready-to-use template. You can also adapt the checklist to match your road, site, or project needs.

2. Record Findings on Site

Auditors can enter responses as they inspect each area. This helps them keep clear and useful records.

3. Add Photo Evidence

Photos help show the exact issue. They also help managers understand the risk and plan the right fix.

4. Track Corrective Actions

Teams can record issues and follow up on the actions needed to fix them. This helps reduce the chance of leaving a safety issue open.

5. Keep Audit Records Together

Digital records make it easier to review past findings and check progress. Managers can use these records to support future audits and safety reviews.

6. Improve Team Communication

Clear findings help auditors, site teams, and managers understand what needs attention. This can make follow-up work more direct and easier to manage.

7. Support Regular Reviews

Teams can use the same checklist for planned inspections. They can then compare results and look for repeat issues.

With eAuditor, road safety teams can spend less time managing paper records and more time finding and fixing hazards.

Road Safety Audit Checklist: Best Practices

A checklist works best when the team uses it with care. Follow these tips to get better results.

• Use a clear scope: Define the road and areas you need to inspect.
• Choose trained auditors: Use people with suitable road safety skills.
• Check at different times: Review roads in daylight and at night where needed.
• Look at all road users: Include drivers, cyclists, walkers, and people with disabilities.
• Take clear photos: Add evidence for each major issue.
• Record exact locations: Help repair teams find the problem with ease.
• Set action priorities: Deal with serious risks first.
• Assign clear duties: Give each action to a named person or team.
• Set due dates: Make sure each task has a clear target.
• Review old findings: Check if past issues have returned.
• Follow local rules: Use the current standards that apply to the road.
• Close each action: Check that the team has fixed the issue.

Common Road Safety Audit Mistakes to Avoid

Even a detailed audit can miss key risks if the team rushes the process. Watch out for these common mistakes.

1. Checking Only the Road Surface

Road safety covers more than potholes and cracks. Teams must also review signs, crossings, lighting, and road design.

2. Ignoring Vulnerable Road Users

A road may work well for cars but still put walkers and cyclists at risk. Always check their needs.

3. Missing Night-Time Risks

Some hazards are hard to see during the day. Poor lighting and faded signs may become clear only after dark.

4. Writing Unclear Findings

Notes such as “road is unsafe” do not help repair teams. State the exact problem and its location.

5. Failing to Track Actions

An audit has little value if teams do not fix the hazards they find. Assign each action and check its progress.

6. Using an Outdated Checklist

Road rules and project needs can change. Review your checklist often and update it when needed.

What Is GG119 in a Road Safety Audit?

GG119 is a UK road safety audit standard within the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). It sets out the process for road safety audits on highway schemes within its scope.

It helps audit teams review road designs and find features that may put road users at risk. The process may include reviews at key design and project stages.

A GG119 audit should focus on safety concerns. It should not simply confirm that a design meets technical requirements.

Teams working under this standard should use the current GG119 guidance and the rules set by the relevant highway authority. A general Road Safety Audit Checklist can support the work, but it does not replace the official standard.

For more details, read the GG119 Road Safety Audit Guide: A Complete Guide & Free Checklists.

Road Safety Audit Checklist: Final Thoughts

Road safety starts with careful planning and regular checks. A well-planned audit helps teams find risks in road design, traffic control, lighting, crossings, and road conditions.

However, finding a hazard is not enough. Teams must record each issue, set clear actions, and check that the work is complete.

A digital Road Safety Audit Checklist can make this process easier. With eAuditor Audits & Inspections, teams can use digital templates, record findings, add evidence, and track safety actions.

Start with the free eAuditor Road Safety Audit Checklist. Build a clear audit process, fix hazards early, and help make every road safer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Road Safety Audit Checklist?

A Road Safety Audit Checklist is a tool that helps teams inspect roads for safety risks. It covers road design, signs, signals, crossings, lighting, barriers, and road surfaces. It also helps auditors record findings and suggest corrective actions.

2. Why do we need a Road Safety Audit Checklist?

It helps teams find road hazards before they cause crashes or injuries. It also supports clear records, better planning, and regular safety reviews.

3. Who can conduct a road safety audit?

A competent audit team with suitable road safety knowledge should conduct the audit. The project owner or road authority may set specific rules for the team’s skills and experience.

4. What should a Road Safety Audit Checklist include?

It should cover road layout, sight distance, signs, signals, junctions, pedestrian paths, cycle lanes, lighting, road surfaces, drainage, barriers, and roadside hazards. It should also include space to record findings and actions.

5. When should a road safety audit take place?

Teams may conduct audits during early design, detailed design, before a road opens, and after it starts carrying traffic. They may also inspect roads after major changes or serious crashes.

6. What is the difference between a road safety audit and a road inspection?

A road safety audit looks at risks that may affect road users. It can review both design plans and site conditions. A road inspection often focuses on the current state of the road, such as damage, signs, drainage, and maintenance needs.

7. What are the main road safety risks?

Common risks include poor visibility, sharp bends, damaged road surfaces, weak signs, unsafe junctions, poor lighting, blocked drains, and unsafe pedestrian crossings.

8. How often should teams conduct road safety audits?

The timing depends on the road, project, risk level, and rules set by the relevant authority. Teams should also inspect roads after major changes or when new risks appear.

9. Can a digital checklist improve road safety audits?

Yes. A digital checklist helps teams record findings, add photos, keep audit records, and track corrective actions. It can also make reviews easier for managers and auditors.

10. Is the eAuditor Road Safety Audit Checklist free?

eAuditor provides a Road Safety Audit Checklist template in its online library. Teams can access the template and use it as a starting point for their road safety review.

Get the eAuditor Road Safety Audit Checklist.