Last month, the draft Vision Zero Action Plan was released, outlining first steps in getting Austin on a path toward zero traffic deaths. These actions include:
- Focusing on current crash “hotspots”
- Creating a public education campaign to raise awareness about the problem and its solutions
- Collecting and analyzing data to identify the main contributing factors to traffic fatalities
- Developing a full-fledged Vision Zero Program
Shortly after releasing its draft Vision Zero Action Plan, Austin was chosen as a National Vision Zero Network Focus City. Together with nine other U.S. cities, Austin will now be participating in a new national program to advance Vision Zero ideals throughout the country.
“These cities are the pioneers who will save lives by modernizing our approach to traffic safety,” said Leah Shahum, Director of the Vision Zero Network, a national nonprofit campaign. “For too long, communities have accepted traffic fatalities and injuries as normal. The Vision Zero Focus Cities are standing up to challenge ‘business as usual’ and to show cities around the world that these tragedies are unacceptable and preventable.”
As a focus city, Austin will get to share its experiences and learn from other cities also trying to eliminate traffic deaths. The idea is for all of these leading cities to work together to collectively make their streets safer. More info>>
