As Vision Zero and the Safe System approach gain momentum across the country, it is important to remember that Vision Zero is more than a slogan or a one-time policy commitment. It is a fundamental re-thinking of how we approach roadway safety. This includes acknowledging where the status quo approach is falling short and how to best support leadership in making substantive change.
These themes were at the center of our May webinar, Vision Zero 101: Fundamentals & Your Questions Answered, a foundational introduction to the principles, practices, and real-world application of Vision Zero and the Safe System approach. Designed as a concise, 30-minute overview, the session explored key concepts and practical considerations for communities working to advance safe, equitable mobility for all people.
A big thank you to everyone who joined the live session and contributed thoughtful questions during the interactive Q&A session!
(see 1-hour recording and slidedeck from May 21, 2026)
What’s Covered in Vision Zero 101?
This session dives into key topics, including:
- Why a new approach is needed: An overview of the current roadway safety crisis in the U.S. and why traditional strategies alone are not enough.
- Vision Zero fundamentals: The core principles of Vision Zero and how the Safe System approach differs from the traditional “Es” model of traffic safety.
- Real-world examples: Examples of how communities across the U.S. are putting Vision Zero principles into practice.
- Advancing health equity: How communities can strengthen roadway safety efforts and prioritize investments to meet the safety needs of the most vulnerable road users and communities.
- Getting started: Practical first steps for communities in the planning stages of Vision Zero.
Keep Learning
Want to go deeper? You can explore this webinar along with more than 100 additional webinars on our Vimeo channel.
We encourage you to visit our resource library for more resources that cover more Vision Zero basics. Be sure to also check out our 10-Year Anniversary Top 10 Blog Series to see what’s giving us hope and where more work is still needed.
Whether your community is just beginning to explore Vision Zero or refining existing efforts, Vision Zero 101 provides the foundational knowledge and practical insights needed to make meaningful progress toward safer, more equitable streets.
Additional Vision Zero 101 Resources
Getting Started with Vision Zero
- Fundamentals of Vision Zero Action Planning
- Core Elements for Vision Zero Communities
- Where to Start on the Road to Vision Zero
Safe System Approach
- Fundamentals of the Safe System Approach
- Applying the Health Impact Pyramid to Roadway Safety (Safe System Pyramid)
Prioritizing Safe Speeds
Advancing Health Equity
- Right-Sizing the Role of Traffic Enforcement: Prioritizing Effective, Cost-Efficient, and Equitable Road Safety Improvements
- Prioritizing Health Equity in Vision Zero Action Planning
Success Stories & Examples