Urban road safety is a cornerstone of sustainable development and quality of life, particularly in developing countries such as Iran. Conventional safety management in the country predominantly relies on crash statistics and reactive black-spot analyses. This study introduces a localized Human Factor Score (HF_Score) framework to enable proactive traffic risk management. Drawing on the conceptual foundations of World Road Association (PIARC) guidelines and tailored to the urban context of Iran, the framework integrates a quantitative HF_Score index with a field-based RSE_HF (Road Safety Evaluation based on Human Factors) tool. These components are designed to identify latent risks without the need for crash data by assessing the alignment between roadway design and users’ perceptual–cognitive capabilities. The framework was developed through qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis, resulting in cognitive evaluation forms and checklists. Due to its high implement ability and low cost, it is well-suited for application in Iranian urban environments and aligns with the principles of the global Safe System approach. From a policy perspective, it can serve as a complementary safety metric in roadway design, urban project evaluation, and geometric modifications. The study further recommends institutionalizing the framework through national standardization, capacity building, and expert training programs. Findings highlight the importance of enhancing tolerance to human error and creating environments consistent with users’ cognitive expectations to achieve long-term reductions in urban traffic crashes. The proposed framework represents a foundational step toward both theoretical and operational transformation in urban road safety policymaking in Iran.