Jenn Fox
For too long, the work of saving lives on our roads has been divided by jurisdiction. Cities often carry the vision — and urgency — for safer streets, but not always the authority to deliver them. States control many of the most dangerous roadways, along with the funding, policies, and standards that shape how those […]
More than a decade into the U.S. Vision Zero movement, we know what works to save lives on our streets — and we know where the worst dangers still lie. Within the hundred largest metro areas, nearly two-thirds of traffic deaths happen on State-Owned Roads, even though these roads make up just 14% of the […]
It can be easy to feel discouraged about Vision Zero progress as traffic deaths and severe injuries remain astronomically high in the U.S. But there are reasons for optimism. Vision Zero efforts, though relatively new and primarily locally led, face significant national challenges. Cultural norms and legacy infrastructure complicate progress. More people are driving at […]
In case you missed it, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, known as the MUTCD. The manual, last updated in 2009, is the national standard for traffic signs and the most influential transportation publication in the United States. Wonky-sounding? Yes, […]
Local, regional and tribal communities in the U.S. are committing to Vision Zero at record numbers. And, the national Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and stepped-up federal strategies are bringing more funding and attention to safe infrastructure and public transportation. While this is encouraging, we need states to align their policies and funding decisions. Without state level […]
The fact that speed is a factor in at least one-third of roadway deaths in the U.S. is well known in traffic safety circles. Yet, for too long, we have made little progress in addressing America’s tragic – and preventable – speed problem. Why? Part of the reason, we believe, is that we’ve been focusing […]
Over the last five years, more than half of fatal crashes in urban areas occurred on roads managed by states, leaving local leaders with little authority to make safety changes. We see this disturbing trend in federal crash data [1], and many of you are likely experiencing it in your communities too. As more communities […]
April 21, 2023 • BY Jenn Fox • IN News, Case Studies
Interest in Vision Zero is growing across the U.S. and the world. Many are wondering: “Where do we start?” While every community is different, there are some common first steps that we recommend. So, whether you are a mayor, a transportation planner or engineer, or a community advocate, we hope the following list of early […]
July 26, 2022 • BY Jenn Fox • IN News, Case Studies
Focus on Equity, Results & Accountability As momentum – and federal funding – supporting Vision Zero in the U.S. grow, we must ensure that passion and pledges result in meaningful action and progress toward the goal of safe mobility for all people. Core Elements for Vision Zero Communities helps leaders recognize that Vision Zero is […]
As we wrote recently, states need to up the ante for roadway safety. Nowhere is bolder, more effective safety action needed – and possible – than at the state level. It is time for changes to the status quo in all 50 states, whose leaders have outsized influence on what happens – or does not happen – for safety on our roadways, sidewalks and bikeways.
Our June 7, 2022 webinar, shared examples of states taking on this challenge – including Massachusetts and Colorado – and opportunities for much more progress on the safety front, especially given increased funding from the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and stepped-up safety leadership at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Newsletter Sign Up