The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is a leader in transportation safety planning. To further safety efforts, BMC worked with B&N to identify how to implement a Safe System Approach (SSA) into its into core planning functions and individual job responsibilities. The goal is to incorporate SSA early in the BMC planning processes by advancing a culture of safety.
B&N developed and facilitated two virtual workshops with BMC staff, including planners, engineers, air quality professionals, active transportation planners, emergency response teams and directors. The workshops discussed BMC’s current initiatives that incorporate SSA and identified opportunities for implementing SSA into each participant’s role and the organization.
The workshops culminated in an action plan identifying specific way to implement SSA into BMC’s daily operations. Solutions included:
- Policy – Promoting, sharing and advancing policies that address or integrate the Safe System Elements
- Local Agency Education - Share Safe System information and resources with local agency partners
- Culture - Create internal change to truly prioritize safety as the number one agency goal
- Project Prioritization - Integrate Safe System Elements into all transportation projects
- Data Analysis - Collect or share data that advances safety improvements related to Safe System Elements
- Public and Stakeholder Engagement - Provide a forum for safety conversations, share safety messages and educate the public and stakeholders
- Planning Documents - Incorporate Safe System Elements into all plans, RFPs, work programs and products