Applying the Safe System Approach to Transportation Planning, Design, and Operations (2025)
Chapter: Appendix B: Focus Group Protocol
Appendix B. Focus Group Protocol
Procedures
Begin with a welcoming, ground rule, and purpose review, e.g., “Welcome, everyone. Thank you for joining us today. Before we get started, I’d like to convey a few ground rules for today’s discussion. First, please speak one at a time. You are certainly invited to address others’ comments, but please allow others to speak before speaking yourself. Second, please speak openly and candidly. There are no wrong answers to my questions. Third and finally, please hold your judgment of others’ responses or questions during our discussion. This is a judgment-free zone. We are gathered here to discuss the Safe System, what it is, how we might implement a Safe System and what might be preventing us from doing so today, and how to overcome barriers to implementing the Safe System, among related subjects. Are we ready to begin?”
The opening question will be open-ended and presented round-robin to hear from everyone.
The introductory question is broad and universally applicable “What does the term ‘Safe System’ mean to you?”
Depending on the nature of the conversation, consider using transition questions that seek more detail on responses to other questions (e.g., “Of all the things we discussed, what to you is the most important?”)
The focus groups will center around “key questions” which relate to understanding how people think about Safe System principles and practices, the benefits and trade-offs associated with creating a Safe System, and role participants can play in fostering a Safe System.
The final question will involve reviewing the purpose of the study and then asking the participants, e.g., “Have we missed anything? What else should we discuss about creating a Safe System?”
Questions
- What does the term “Safe System” mean to you?
- What would you say are the “roles” or specific functions of [participants’ discipline] in creating a Safe System for all road users?
- How do you think we could begin transitioning toward a Safe System?
- Here is a safety practice you and your [participants’ discipline] colleagues rated according to its safety impact and its financial, social, and political feasibility. What sorts of barriers or obstacles, if any, do you foresee in implementing this practice? and What kinds of resources (e.g., data, money, skillsets) would be needed to begin implementing this practice?
- Have we missed anything?
Ending: “Thank you for participating in this focus group today. We have captured your thoughtful responses and intend to draw upon your insights as we develop guidance on ways to implement a Safe System. Thank you.”
