Vision Zero

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. It is a data-driven, comprehensive approach to roadway safety that involves collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including transportation agencies, public health departments, law enforcement, and community organizations.

Vision Zero Principles

Vision Zero is based on the following principles:

• Safety is a top priority. Traffic safety should be the primary goal of all transportation planning and design.
• Everyone has the right to safe mobility. Regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation, everyone should be able to move safely and conveniently.
• Crashes are preventable. Traffic fatalities and serious injuries are not inevitable. They are caused by a combination of factors that can be addressed through engineering, enforcement, education, and public policy.

The Benefits of Vision Zero

Vision Zero has the potential to save lives, reduce injuries, and improve public health. Some of the benefits of Vision Zero include:

• Reduced traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Vision Zero has been shown to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by up to 50%.
• Improved public health. Traffic crashes can lead to a variety of health problems, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and chronic pain. Vision Zero can help to improve public health by reducing the incidence of these injuries.
• Increased economic productivity. Traffic crashes cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, medical expenses, and property damage. Vision Zero can help to reduce these costs by reducing the number of crashes.

How to Implement Vision Zero

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to implementing Vision Zero. The specific strategies that are used will vary depending on the community's needs and resources. However, there are some key elements that are common to all Vision Zero plans: