The RoadWise Framework is a practical, system-based model that helps Local Governments plan, prioritise, embed and deliver evidence-based road safety activity in a consistent and effective way.
Developed by WALGA, the RoadWise Framework aligns with Driving Change, Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020-2030, It is underpinned by the Safe System approach and tailored to Local Government roles and functional areas
The Framework brings together the governing and managing responsibilities of Local Government, supporting the translation of best practice road safety theory into meaningful, on the ground action.
A Practical Framework for Improving Road Safety
The WA Government has set an ambitious target [i] to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads by 50–70% by 2030. Achieving this target depends on the active leadership and involvement of Local Governments.
Local Governments manage and maintain most of WA’s road network and are closest to the communities that use it every day. This places them at the forefront of efforts to reduce road trauma across the state.
The RoadWise Framework is important because it provides a clear and practical structure to turn this responsibility into action. It helps Local Governments prioritise what will make the greatest difference, align local action with state and national priorities, and embed road safety into everyday decision-making across the organisation.
How the RoadWise Framework works
The RoadWise Framework provides a clear structure for improving and managing local road safety performance. It shows how different parts of a Local Government work together to achieve shared safety outcomes.
At a high level, the Framework brings together:
- the governance role of Local Government, providing direction and accountability
- results focused management areas that embed best practice road safety into core business
- key functional areas that influence and deliver road safety outcomes, and
- practical local actions that support systems-based improvement.
Manage follows a results-focused approach. Adapted from the Institutional Management Functions [ii] for the Local Government context, this approach translates governance and accountability into practical interventions through clear vision, measurable performance targets and ongoing evaluation.
These interventions are supported by road safety management tools such as policies, plans and processes that help embed road safety into everyday decision-making across the organisation.
Rather than addressing individual treatments in isolation, the Framework promotes a coordinated, whole-of-organisation approach to achieving safer road outcomes.
The RoadWise Framework
This framework shows how governance sets direction, management enables delivery, and functional interventions work together to achieve road safety outcomes.
From strategy to action
The RoadWise Framework is supported by a suite of tools and resources delivered through the RoadWise Program. These resources are available in the Road Safety Library and are structured around the Framework areas: Govern, Manage, Engineer & Plan, Workplace and Communicate.
Together, these tools help Local Governments to:
- identify gaps and priorities
- select evidence-based interventions proven to work
- monitor progress and measure outcomes, and
- build organisational capacity, capability and shared learning.
WALGA’s RoadWise team uses the Framework to guide its work with RoadWise Councils across WA, supporting Councils to plan, implement, monitor and communicate effective local road safety initiatives that align with best practice.
By working collectively, embedding Safe System principles into everyday practice and focusing on evidence-based action, Local Governments play a critical role in achieving Western Australia’s road safety objectives — contributing to safer roads and more liveable communities for everyone.
Resources
[i] Government of Western Australia (RoadWise Program) Driving Change Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020-2030, Perth. Driving-Change-Road-Safety-Strategy-2020_2.pdf (www.wa.gov.au).
[ii] Bliss, T., Breen, J. (2013). Road Safety Management Capacity Reviews and Safe System Projects Guidelines. Global Road Safety Facility, https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/publication/road-safety-management-capacity-review-guidelines
