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ISO 39001 - Road traffic safety management
ISO 39001 is the international standard for road traffic safety management systems.
First published in 2012, ISO 39001 helps organizations establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a Road Traffic Safety Management System (RTSMS) that is aligned with their strategic goals and aimed at reducing road traffic accidents and fatalities.
The standard is designed to support organizations in systematically improving road traffic safety performance. It includes requirements related to road safety policies, setting measurable objectives, identifying key risk factors such as road user behavior or vehicle condition, collecting and analyzing relevant data, implementing safety interventions, and monitoring performance.
ISO 39001 is applicable to all types of organizations that interact with the road traffic system, including transport and logistics companies, public transport providers, road authorities, fleet operators, and any organization whose activities impact road safety. It is used by both public and private sector organizations seeking to reduce accident risks, meet regulatory or contractual requirements, and demonstrate their commitment to safer roads.
RIGCERT provides accredited certification services for road traffic safety management systems in accordance with ISO 39001. Our certification process is impartial, transparent, and conducted by qualified professionals who understand road safety challenges and operational realities.
Whether the goal is to reduce crash rates, improve safety culture, comply with regulations, or gain competitive advantage, ISO 39001 certification can support your organization’s efforts to improve road traffic safety performance and save lives.
ISO 39001 is the first international standard for road traffic safety management.
It can be applied by any organization that interacts with the road infrastructure, regardless of its size, type, or field of activity.
Top management support
A key success factor for an effective road traffic safety management system is the active commitment and leadership of top management. They are responsible for defining the road safety policy and related objectives, promoting a culture of safety throughout the organization, and ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to implement and maintain the system.
Key requirements of ISO 39001
Implementing a road traffic safety management system according to ISO 39001 involves meeting a range of requirements defined by the standard. One of the first steps is to define and document the scope of the RTSMS, ensuring clarity around what parts of the organization and what activities are included and defining the organization's role in the road traffic system.
Organizations must identify road traffic safety-related risks associated with their activities, services, and interactions with the road traffic system. They must assess which of these pose significant risks and determine appropriate measures to control them. Compliance obligations, including applicable legal and regulatory requirements, must also be identified and addressed.
Competence and awareness are essential aspects. Personnel must receive appropriate training and understand how their roles influence road safety outcomes and contribute to the achievement of the organization's road safety objectives.
Operational processes must be controlled to manage road traffic safety risks effectively and ensure that all activities are performed under defined and safe conditions. This includes processes related to transport planning, driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and incident response.
External service providers, including transport contractors and logistics partners, must also be carefully managed to ensure that their activities align with the organization’s road safety objectives and that any associated risks are controlled. When actual or potential deviations in road safety performance are identified, the organization must take action to correct them and prevent future occurrences.
Monitoring and measurement of road safety performance are critical. Organizations are expected to define key performance indicators, evaluate their progress toward road safety objectives, and verify compliance with applicable requirements. Internal audits should be performed at planned intervals to ensure the RTSMS is functioning effectively and remains compliant with ISO 39001.
Regular management reviews are necessary to evaluate the ongoing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the RTSMS and to ensure that it continues to align with the organization’s strategic goals and commitment to safer road transport.
When nonconformities occur, the organization must take corrective actions to eliminate the root causes and prevent recurrence, thereby supporting continuous improvement in road traffic safety performance.
ISO 39001 certification can be obtained after the organization successfully undergoes a two-stage audit conducted by competent and impartial auditors.
The certification is valid for three years, during which annual surveillance audits are carried out to ensure that the Road Traffic Safety Management System (RTSMS) remains effectively implemented and continues to meet the requirements of the standard.
If surveillance audits are missed or if major nonconformities are identified and not resolved within the required timeframe, the certification may be suspended or even withdrawn.
At the end of the three-year certification cycle, the organization may choose to undergo a recertification process, conducted under conditions similar to the initial certification, to confirm the continued effectiveness of the RTSMS and the organization’s commitment to road traffic safety.
We offer accredited certification for Road Traffic Safety Management Systems in accordance with ISO 39001. Our approach is tailored to the specific needs and operational realities of your organization, ensuring that the certification process is both relevant and efficient.
Our accreditation by ESYD, the Greek National Accreditation Body, guarantees that your ISO 39001 certificate is officially recognized and accepted by authorities, business partners, and other stakeholders. ESYD is a founding member of both EA (European co-operation for Accreditation) and IAF (International Accreditation Forum), which ensures that your certification benefits from global recognition and credibility.
By working with RIGCERT, you collaborate with a team of experienced professionals who understand the risks, challenges, and regulatory requirements related to road traffic safety. We are committed to delivering impartial, transparent, and value-focused certification services that support your organization’s efforts to improve road safety performance.
