As someone who is deeply invested in transportation safety, I’m passionate about finding effective solutions to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and severe injuries on our roads. Vision Zero is a data-driven initiative that aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. In this blog post, I’ll be highlighting several key topics that were disscussed Friday, April 28th, 2023 at the Palm Beach TPA’s Vision Zero Workshop
With key speakers:
- Alex Henry, A.I.C.P., City of Tampa
- Lisa Silva, A.I.C.P., P.L.A.,
- Hillsborough TPO
- Nathan George, A.I.C.P., Palm Beach TPA
- Jesús Fuentes, P.E., EXP
- Uyen Dang, P.E. DDEC
Another key component of Vision Zero
Alex Henry and Lisa Silva discussed the importance of collecting data for Vision Zero. Advocacy groups can help by conducting surveys on road safety issues. Schools can also be valuable partners in project implementation and promoting safe travel habits. They also highlighted how high visibility enforcement can reduce violations and promote compliance with traffic laws. However, education and outreach programs are still essential to address the root causes of issues. Lastly, they talked about leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) as a traffic signal timing strategy to improve pedestrian safety by giving them a head start before vehicles can proceed through an intersection. LPIs can reduce the risk of accidents caused by drivers turning into crosswalks.
Intersection Hardening Demonstration
Intersection hardening is a key strategy in Vision Zero initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and injuries at intersections. One effective way to harden intersections is by using delineator poles. Delineator poles are flexible, lightweight markers that can be used to separate different modes of transportation and provide visual cues to drivers and pedestrians. One way that delineator poles can be used for intersection hardening is to create physical barriers that prevent drivers from making dangerous turns or maneuvers. For the example, Jesús Fuentes, P.E. of EXP, placed delineator poles at the edge of the roadway, so that drivers can be prevented from cutting across the center line or driving in bike lanes, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
The Key to Achieving Vision Zero
One of the most important aspects of Vision Zero is its focus on safe road design. By designing roads that are safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, we can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more equitable and sustainable transportation system. This may include measures such as separated bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures. In my experience, communities that prioritize safe road design see significant benefits in terms of improved safety, reduced congestion, and increased economic development.
