In 2014, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio launched Vision Zero, a transformative initiative that aims to create safer streets, and eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries in our city by 2024.
The vision? A city where every individual can navigate the streets of NYC without fear of harm. By reimagining our transportation system, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting responsible behaviors, this plan seeks to create a culture of safety that benefits pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transportation users alike.
The Goals of Vision Zero
- Eliminate traffic fatalities by 2024.
- Reduce serious injuries by 50% by 2024.
- Make streets safer for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
The Strategies of Vision Zero
- Engineering: Making streets safer through changes to the physical environment, such as narrowing lanes, installing speed humps, and adding pedestrian refuges.
- Education: Raising awareness of traffic safety and teaching people how to drive and walk safely.
- Enforcement: Cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians.
The Progress So Far
Since Vision Zero was launched, there has been a significant reduction in traffic fatalities in New York City. In 2013, there were 318 traffic fatalities in the city. In 2022, there were 183 traffic fatalities. This represents a 43% reduction in traffic fatalities over a 9-year period.
The Future of Vision Zero
Vision Zero is a long-term plan, and there is still much work to be done. However, the progress that has been made so far is encouraging. With continued commitment from the city, Vision Zero can achieve its goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2024.
How You Can Help
There are many things you can do to help achieve the goals of Vision Zero. Here are a few ideas:
- Be a safe driver. Obey the speed limit, don’t drive distracted, and yield to pedestrians.
- Be a safe pedestrian. Be aware of your surroundings and cross the street at crosswalks.
- Educate others about traffic safety. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of safe driving and walking.
- Support Vision Zero initiatives. Contact your elected officials and let them know you support Vision Zero.
Together, we can make New York City’s streets safer for everyone.
