Road & Transport Safety
The ICSPS Professional Certification Programme in Road & Transport Safety Management is a comprehensive, multi-level qualification designed to address the global challenge of road traffic injuries and fatalities through professional education and capacity building. Road safety is a critical interdisciplinary field that intersects engineering, human behaviour, enforcement, public health, and corporate governance. This programme provides a structured pathway from foundational awareness to strategic leadership, equipping professionals with the evidence-based knowledge, analytical tools, and management skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate effective road safety interventions across diverse contexts.
Grounded in the Safe System Approach—the international best-practice paradigm that acknowledges human frailty and aims to create a forgiving transport system—the curriculum covers the full spectrum of road safety management. Participants will engage with key pillars including safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and safe road use, while also mastering the administrative functions of data systems, policy development, and project evaluation. The programme is relevant for professionals working in public sector agencies, private sector fleets, non-governmental organisations, and international consultancies.
Delivered through a blend of theoretical modules, case study analysis, and practical project work, this certification empowers individuals to become agents of change within their organisations and communities. Graduates will be prepared to tackle complex road safety problems, contribute to the achievement of national and corporate safety targets, and ultimately save lives by making transport systems safer for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and vehicle occupants.
Offered Courses
Level 1 Award in Fundamentals of Transport Safety
The ICSPS Level 1 Award in Fundamentals of Transport Safety provides the essential bedrock of knowledge for anyone entering or engaging with the field. This course demystifies the core principles behind why transport-related incidents occur and introduces the holistic strategies used to prevent them. It shifts the perspective from blaming individual error to understanding the interconnected roles of the human, vehicle, road, and speed elements within a transport system.
Participants will gain a clear overview of the global safety challenge, key risk factors, and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders. The award clarifies fundamental concepts such as crash causation, vulnerability, and the hierarchy of safety controls. By fostering a solid understanding of the “why” behind safety rules and investments, this qualification cultivates informed advocates and conscientious professionals, whether they are on the front lines, in support roles, or in the community.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 12 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 48 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
The Global Burden of Transport Injuries and Fatalities
|
2 |
8 |
|
Core Principles of the Safe System Approach
|
2 |
8 |
|
Human Factors: Understanding Road User Behaviour and Error
|
2 |
8 |
|
Key Elements of Safe Infrastructure and Vehicle Safety
|
2 |
8 |
|
Introduction to Transport Safety Legislation and Compliance
|
2 |
8 |
|
Roles and Collaboration in the Transport Safety Ecosystem
|
2 |
8 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Quantify the public health and socio-economic impact of transport incidents globally and locally.
Unit 2: Explain the ethical foundation and interdependent pillars of the Safe System approach.
Unit 3: Identify common human limitations and high-risk behaviours that contribute to crashes.
Unit 4: Describe how road design and vehicle technology influence crash likelihood and severity.
Unit 5: Outline the purpose of fundamental traffic laws and the principles of effective enforcement.
Unit 6: Map the key stakeholders involved in transport safety and the necessity of partnership.
New entrants to transport, logistics, or fleet-based industries.
Junior staff in municipal authorities, traffic departments, or public health.
Corporate employees with health, safety, or environmental responsibilities.
Community safety champions and advocacy group members.
Journalists, communicators, and educators focusing on transport topics.
Level 1 Award in Principles of Road Safety
The ICSPS Level 1 Award in Principles of Road Safety establishes the essential foundation for understanding why road traffic collisions occur and how they can be prevented. This entry-level certificate introduces the core concepts of the road safety ecosystem, making it ideal for new entrants to the field, community advocates, or professionals in adjacent sectors seeking to broaden their knowledge. The course demystifies road crash data, explaining key terms like fatality rates, serious injury, and collision causation factors. It moves beyond the simplistic notion of “driver error” to explore the systemic interactions between road users, vehicles, and the roadway environment that lead to loss.
Participants will be introduced to the fundamental principles of the Safe System Approach, learning how this proactive philosophy seeks to create a transport system that accommodates human mistake without resulting in death or serious injury. The award also covers the basic legislative and regulatory frameworks governing road use, and the roles of different stakeholders—from government agencies and police to schools and healthcare providers. By providing a clear, holistic overview, this qualification fosters an informed perspective, encouraging participants to think critically about road safety in their personal and professional lives and to become ambassadors for safer behaviours and environments.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 12 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 48 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
The Global Road Safety Challenge: Magnitude and Impact
|
2 |
8 |
|
Introduction to the Safe System Approach
|
2 |
8 |
|
Understanding Road Users: Human Factors and Behaviour
|
2 |
8 |
|
The Role of Roads, Vehicles, and Speed in Safety
|
2 |
8 |
|
Basic Road Safety Legislation and Enforcement
|
2 |
8 |
|
The Road Safety Stakeholder Landscape
|
2 |
8 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: The Global Road Safety Challenge: Magnitude and Impact
Describe the global and local burden of road traffic injuries in terms of public health and socio-economic cost.
Interpret basic road crash statistics and understand common metrics (e.g., fatalities per 100,000 population).
Identify vulnerable road user groups and the disproportionate risks they face.
Unit 2: Introduction to the Safe System Approach
Explain the core ethical principle of the Safe System: that death and serious injury are unacceptable.
List the five pillars of the Safe System (Safe Road Use, Safe Speeds, Safe Roads, Safe Vehicles, Post-Crash Care).
Contrast the Safe System with traditional “blame-the-user” approaches to road safety.
Unit 3: Understanding Road Users: Human Factors and Behaviour
Identify common human factor limitations (vision, perception, reaction time, fatigue) that contribute to risk.
Recognise high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink-driving, and distraction.
Understand the basic theories behind behaviour change campaigns.
Unit 4: The Role of Roads, Vehicles, and Speed in Safety
Describe how road design (e.g., lane width, intersection layout) can influence crash risk and severity.
Identify key vehicle safety technologies (e.g., ABS, ESC, AEB) and their protective benefits.
Explain the critical relationship between impact speed and injury severity.
Unit 5: Basic Road Safety Legislation and Enforcement
Outline the purpose of core traffic laws related to speed limits, seat belts, helmets, and alcohol.
Understand the role of enforcement in deterring violations and shaping social norms.
Recognise the importance of fair and visible enforcement for legitimacy.
Unit 6: The Road Safety Stakeholder Landscape
Map the key organisations involved in road safety at local, national, and international levels.
Describe the different roles and responsibilities of public, private, and civil society stakeholders.
Appreciate the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve safety outcomes.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
New Entrants to Transport Sectors: Graduates or career-changers starting roles in logistics, fleet, or transport planning.
Community Road Safety Advocates: Individuals involved in local safety initiatives or neighbourhood associations.
Junior Staff in Public Agencies: Personnel in municipal traffic departments, police, or public health.
Corporate Staff with Fleet Responsibility: Employees needing a foundational understanding of road risk.
Teachers and Youth Workers: Professionals educating young people on road user skills.
Journalists and Communicators: Those reporting on transport and safety issues.
Level 2 Certificate in Road Safety Auditing and Inspection
The ICSPS Level 2 Certificate in Road Safety Auditing and Inspection provides the practical skills and methodological framework for proactively identifying potential safety deficiencies in road projects and existing networks. A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal, independent examination of a road or traffic scheme to identify unsafe features and recommend improvements before crashes occur. This certificate transforms participants from passive observers into competent audit team members, capable of systematically assessing plans and roadways against established safety principles.
The curriculum covers the entire audit process, from reviewing design drawings for new projects to conducting field inspections of existing roads, intersections, and pedestrian facilities. Participants will learn to use checklists, document findings with sketches and photographs, and formulate practical, cost-effective recommendations. A strong emphasis is placed on the needs of all road users, particularly vulnerable users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The course also introduces the related process of Road Safety Inspection (RSI), a routine network-wide screening tool for identifying hazards.
This hands-on, technical certificate is essential for engineers, planners, and technicians involved in the design, construction, or maintenance of road infrastructure. It instills a proactive “safety-by-design” mindset, ensuring that practitioners can contribute directly to eliminating foreseeable risks in the transport system, thereby preventing collisions and saving lives through better engineering and planning.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 72 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Principles and Legal Framework of Road Safety Auditing
|
3 |
12 |
|
Audit Stages and Team Roles: Feasibility to Post-Opening
|
3 |
12 |
|
Assessing Plans and Drawings: Junction and Corridor Design
|
3 |
12 |
|
Field Inspection Techniques for Existing Roads
|
3 |
12 |
|
Focus on Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
|
3 |
12 |
|
Reporting Findings and Crafting Effective Recommendations
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles and Legal Framework of Road Safety Auditing
Define Road Safety Audit (RSA) and distinguish it from road safety engineering and inspection.
Explain the ethical and (where applicable) legal mandates for conducting RSAs on publicly funded projects.
Uphold the principles of independence, objectivity, and formal process in auditing.
Unit 2: Audit Stages and Team Roles: Feasibility to Post-Opening
Describe the four typical stages of an RSA (Feasibility, Preliminary Design, Detailed Design, Pre-Opening).
Identify the roles and required competencies of Audit Team Leader and Team Members.
Participate effectively in an audit team, contributing observations while understanding the team dynamic.
Unit 3: Assessing Plans and Drawings: Junction and Corridor Design
Review highway design drawings to identify potential safety issues related to alignment, sight lines, and lane configurations.
Critically assess junction designs (roundabouts, signalised crossings) for clarity, conspicuity, and user conflict points.
Apply human factors principles to predict how users might misinterpret or err at a designed feature.
Unit 4: Field Inspection Techniques for Existing Roads
Conduct systematic field inspections of existing road segments, using checklists and observational techniques.
Identify hazards related to signage, road markings, surface condition, lighting, and roadside objects.
Assess the real-world operation of a road or junction, noting user behaviour and conflicts.
Unit 5: Focus on Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Apply specific audit criteria for pedestrian facilities (footpaths, crossings, refuge islands).
Evaluate the safety and continuity of cycle facilities (lanes, tracks, advanced stop lines).
Identify common infrastructure failures that increase risk for vulnerable users.
Unit 6: Reporting Findings and Crafting Effective Recommendations
Document audit findings clearly using standardised forms, annotated photos, and diagrams.
Formulate practical, evidence-based recommendations that are cost-effective and proportional to the risk.
Present audit findings professionally in a formal report and in meetings with project stakeholders.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Highway and Civil Engineers: Designers and consultants involved in road projects.
Transportation Planners: Professionals developing traffic schemes and network plans.
Road Safety Engineers and Technicians: Local authority or consulting staff specialising in safety.
Traffic Management Officers: Personnel responsible for temporary traffic arrangements and roadworks safety.
Asset and Maintenance Managers: Individuals overseeing the condition of road networks.
Police Traffic Specialists: Officers involved in crash investigation and prevention through engineering.
Level 2 Certificate in Operational Safety Management
The ICSPS Level 2 Certificate in Operational Safety Management equips professionals with the practical tools and methodologies to manage safety proactively within operational environments. This course focuses on the systematic processes used to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls in real-world settings such as road networks, fleet operations, and work zones. It transforms participants from understanders of principles into capable practitioners of safety management systems.
The curriculum delves into the core components of safety management, including data-driven problem identification, risk assessment techniques, and the development of targeted intervention strategies. Participants will learn to apply specific tools like safety inspections, collision analysis, and performance monitoring to create and maintain safer transport operations. A strong emphasis is placed on creating a positive safety culture and ensuring that safety is integral to daily operational decisions.
This hands-on certificate is critical for those responsible for translating safety policy into action. It provides the skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate safety programmes, directly contributing to the reduction of incidents and the protection of both employees and the public in the transport domain.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 21 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 84 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Foundations of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in Transport
|
3 |
12 |
|
Data Collection, Analysis, and Crash Investigation Principles
|
3 |
12 |
|
Proactive Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification Techniques
|
3 |
12 |
|
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement Frameworks
|
3 |
12 |
|
Planning and Implementing Safety Interventions and Campaigns
|
3 |
12 |
|
Safety Culture, Leadership, and Communication within Operations
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Describe the key elements and benefits of a structured Safety Management System.
Unit 2: Collate and interpret safety data to identify high-risk locations and behaviours.
Unit 3: Conduct systematic risk assessments and site inspections to identify operational hazards.
Unit 4: Develop evidence-based action plans for engineering, enforcement, and education measures.
Unit 5: Promote a positive safety culture and communicate safety goals effectively to teams.
Unit 6: Establish performance indicators and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures.
Unit 7: Understand key legal responsibilities and duty-of-care requirements for operators.
Fleet managers and transport operations supervisors.
Road safety officers and engineers in local authorities.
Health and safety advisors in transport and logistics companies.
Traffic and incident management personnel.
Consultants involved in developing safety plans and audits.
Police officers specializing in traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement.
Level 3 Certificate in Fleet Safety Management
The ICSPS Level 3 Certificate in Fleet Safety Management addresses the critical need for systematic risk control within organisations that operate vehicles as part of their business. Whether managing a fleet of trucks, vans, cars, or specialised machinery, companies face significant financial, legal, and reputational exposure from road collisions involving their drivers and vehicles. This certificate provides a comprehensive framework for developing, implementing, and auditing a Fleet Safety Management System (FSMS) that aligns with international standards such as ISO 39001. It moves beyond basic driver training to encompass a holistic, data-driven approach that integrates vehicle safety, journey management, driver competency, and organisational culture.
Participants will learn to analyse fleet telematics and crash data to identify risk patterns, develop targeted intervention programmes, and measure return on safety investment. The curriculum covers key areas including driver recruitment and assessment, fatigue management policies, vehicle selection and maintenance protocols, and the legal concept of corporate duty of care. A strong emphasis is placed on leadership and creating a positive safety culture where drivers feel supported, not just monitored. The course also explores emerging technologies like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and their integration into fleet safety strategy.
This certificate is designed for professionals who bear responsibility for the safety performance of a mobile workforce. Graduates will be equipped to act as internal consultants, capable of building a business case for safety, engaging senior management, and deploying effective programmes that reduce collisions, lower costs, and protect the organisation’s most valuable assets—its people and its reputation.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 24 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 96 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Foundations of Fleet Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
|
4 |
16 |
|
Driver Risk Management: Recruitment, Assessment, and Training
|
4 |
16 |
|
Vehicle Safety, Selection, and Maintenance Standards
|
4 |
16 |
|
Journey Risk Management and Fatigue Prevention
|
4 |
16 |
|
Data Analysis, Telematics, and Performance Measurement
|
4 |
16 |
|
Developing a Positive Fleet Safety Culture and Leadership Engagement
|
4 |
16 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Fleet Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
Explain the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle as it applies to a structured FSMS.
Map organisational roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for fleet safety.
Develop core fleet safety policies and objectives aligned with business goals.
Unit 2: Driver Risk Management: Recruitment, Assessment, and Training
Design recruitment processes that screen for safe attitudes and driving histories.
Implement driver risk assessment tools, including licence checks and in-vehicle assessments.
Develop and deliver a tiered driver training programme based on risk profile and need.
Unit 3: Vehicle Safety, Selection, and Maintenance Standards
Establish minimum vehicle safety specification criteria for fleet procurement.
Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules to ensure vehicle roadworthiness.
Implement procedures for pre-trip vehicle inspections and defect reporting.
Unit 4: Journey Risk Management and Fatigue Prevention
Apply journey planning principles to minimise risk, including routing and scheduling.
Develop and implement a work-related road safety (WRRS) policy that addresses fatigue.
Recognise the signs of driver fatigue and implement appropriate control measures.
Unit 5: Data Analysis, Telematics, and Performance Measurement
Interpret telematics data (speeding, harsh braking, idling) to identify unsafe behaviours.
Analyse collision and near-miss data to identify systemic causes and trends.
Define and report on key fleet safety performance indicators (KPIs) to management.
Unit 6: Developing a Positive Fleet Safety Culture and Leadership Engagement
Design communication and engagement strategies to promote safe driving.
Implement non-punitive reporting systems for near-misses and concerns.
Coach senior leaders on their visible role in championing fleet safety.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Fleet Managers and Operations Managers: Individuals directly responsible for vehicle operations.
Transport and Logistics Supervisors: Leaders of driving teams in distribution, haulage, or passenger transport.
HSE Professionals in Fleet-Based Industries: Advisors in utilities, construction, sales, and service sectors.
Risk and Insurance Managers: Personnel mitigating organisational exposure from vehicle operations.
Telematics and Data Analysts: Specialists interpreting driver performance data.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers: Professionals managing duty of care and reputational risk.
Level 3 Diploma in Road Crash Investigation and Analysis
The ICSPS Diploma in Road Crash Investigation and Analysis provides an advanced, systematic methodology for understanding not just how a road collision happened, but why. Moving beyond basic police reporting for legal liability, this diploma trains professionals in the skills of a forensic crash investigator, capable of uncovering the complex sequence of events, human factors, vehicle defects, and road environment contributions that lead to a collision. This deep understanding is the critical foundation for effective countermeasures, whether in engineering, policy, vehicle design, or driver education.
Participants will master the investigation process from scene arrival and evidence preservation through to technical reconstruction and final reporting. The curriculum covers scene mapping (using traditional and modern techniques like 3D laser scanning), vehicle mechanical inspection, analysis of event data recorders (EDRs or “black boxes”), and the application of physics-based reconstruction software to determine speeds and trajectories. A major focus is on human factors analysis, exploring pre-crash perception, reaction, and decision-making errors. The course also addresses the sensitive communication of findings to families, stakeholders, and the media.
This diploma produces expert investigators who can provide authoritative answers for coroner’s courts, civil litigation, government inquiries, and most importantly, for the prevention of future similar crashes. It is an essential qualification for those seeking to move the field of road safety from reactive response to proactive, evidence-based prevention.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 144 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Crash Investigation Methodology and Scene Management
|
6 |
24 |
|
Evidence Identification, Collection, and Preservation
|
6 |
24 |
|
Vehicle Examination and Event Data Recorder (EDR) Analysis
|
6 |
24 |
|
Road Environment and Highway Factors Analysis
|
6 |
24 |
|
Collision Reconstruction: Principles and Software Applications
|
6 |
24 |
|
Human Factors Analysis and Systemic Causation Reporting
|
6 |
24 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Crash Investigation Methodology and Scene Management
Apply a systematic, phased approach to crash investigation.
Establish and manage a safe incident scene, preserving evidence while facilitating traffic flow.
Conduct an effective witness interview using cognitive interview techniques.
Unit 2: Evidence Identification, Collection, and Preservation
Identify and document critical physical evidence (tyre marks, debris scatter, vehicle damage, fluid spills).
Use traditional (measurement wheels, photography) and advanced (total stations, laser scanners) mapping techniques.
Properly collect, label, and chain-custody physical evidence for potential legal proceedings.
Unit 3: Vehicle Examination and Event Data Recorder (EDR) Analysis
Conduct a thorough post-crash vehicle inspection to identify pre-existing defects or failure modes.
Download and interpret data from vehicle Event Data Recorders.
Assess vehicle safety system deployment (airbags, seatbelt pretensioners) and its relevance to occupant injuries.
Unit 4: Road Environment and Highway Factors Analysis
Assess the road design, geometry, signage, marking, and surface condition for contributory factors.
Evaluate sight lines, visibility, and lighting conditions at the time of the crash.
Identify roadside hazards and assess the performance of safety hardware (e.g., guardrails).
Unit 5: Collision Reconstruction: Principles and Software Applications
Apply fundamental physics (conservation of momentum, energy methods) to reconstruct crash events.
Use specialised software to model vehicle dynamics, determine impact speeds, and create visualisations.
Analyse pedestrian and cyclist kinematics to determine impact scenarios.
Unit 6: Human Factors Analysis and Systemic Causation Reporting
Analyse the role of human performance limitations (perception, distraction, impairment, fatigue).
Synthesise findings from all investigation strands (human, vehicle, environment) to determine causation.
Produce a comprehensive investigation report that identifies systemic safety issues and makes prevention-focused recommendations.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Police Forensic Collision Investigators: Officers specialising in serious and fatal crash investigation.
Insurance and Forensic Engineers: Consultants determining causation for claims and litigation.
Road Safety Engineers and Researchers: Professionals needing in-depth crash causation data for countermeasure design.
Vehicle Manufacturer Safety Investigators: Personnel analysing field incidents for product safety improvement.
Coroner’s Officers and Legal Professionals: Individuals involved in fatal crash inquests and inquiries.
Advanced Fleet Safety Managers: Those investigating serious crashes within their own operations to prevent recurrence.
Certification & Verification
Each module in this certification is assessed internally by an accredited training provider and subsequently verified externally by ICSPS. The program employs a criterion-referenced assessment model, guaranteeing that participants achieve all defined learning objectives.
To earn a passing grade for a module, candidates must submit evidence that is valid, comprehensive, and genuine, demonstrating full mastery of the required outcomes and adherence to the established assessment standards. An assigned Assessor evaluates this evidence to confirm the learner meets the necessary proficiency levels.
Assessors are required to keep a detailed and transparent record of the evaluation process, clearly documenting the rationale behind their decisions. This ensures accountability, consistency, and strict adherence to all quality assurance protocols.
