Vision Zero
Definition
Traffic safety philosophy that traffic deaths are preventable, not inevitable, and commits to eliminating all traffic fatalities through street design, speed management, enforcement, and behavior change. Originated in Sweden 1997.
Louisville Context
Louisville averages 60-70 traffic deaths annually, with pedestrian deaths concentrated in low-income neighborhoods with dangerous street designs. Vision Zero approach: (1) identify high-crash corridors using data, (2) redesign streets for safety (narrower lanes, crosswalks, traffic calming), (3) lower speed limits on residential streets to 25 mph, (4) prioritize pedestrian deaths (not just total crashes), (5) public reporting on progress.
Why It Matters
Traffic deaths aren’t ‘accidents’—they’re predictable results of dangerous street design and excessive speeds. Vision Zero acknowledges humans make mistakes but demands streets designed so mistakes don’t kill. Louisville’s high pedestrian death rates disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods.
Dave’s Proposal
Adopt Vision Zero commitment: identify high-crash corridors using data, redesign dangerous streets, reduce residential speed limits to 25 mph, prioritize pedestrian safety, and annual public reporting on traffic deaths/injuries.