Vision Zero is a strategy to improve safety and eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries. Vision Zero originated in Sweden in the 1990s and since then, the country's traffic fatality rate has been cut in half. Vision Zero has been adopted in other areas of Europe and is quickly gaining traction in North America. In 2012, Chicago became the first city in the United States to commit to Vision Zero. Since that time, more than 40 locations in the U.S., including cities, counties, and regional planning organizations, have adopted Vision Zero policies and several more are in the process of committing to Vision Zero.

The Vision Zero concept affirms that deadly crashes are preventable. By prioritizing safety, a universal goal, Vision Zero policies utilize a comprehensive approach to transportation that involves collaboration across agencies and advocacy organizations. Importantly, in a break from traditional thinking that places responsibility for safety on the individual, Vision Zero recognizes that the people who create and enforce the road network are also responsible for safety.

Resources

Vision Zero Network
Vision Zero Network
Supports communities through technical assistance, resources, webinars, and more.

Vision Zero for Youth
Vision Zero for Youth
Provides strategies for prioritizing youth pedestrian and bicyclist safety with the broader goal of improving safety for all road users.

Guide to Developing a Vision Zero Plan
Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety (CSCRS)
Walks communities through the steps in creating a Vision Zero plan based on research into best practices. The guide benefits communities in developing an initial plan as well as places updating existing plans.

Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants
National Safety Council (NSC) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Awards funding to evidence-based highway safety programs that support the National Safety Council's Vision Zero efforts.

Vision Zero Community Pairing Program
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Fosters collaboration between Vision Zero communities through mentor-mentee relationships and peer partnerships.

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Examples

The Vision Zero Plan Library
Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety (CSCRS)
Compiles plans from across the U.S. to provide examples of Vision Zero planning in a variety of settings.

Using Automated Enforcement Data to Achieve Vision Zero Goals: A Case Study
District Department of Transportation
Documents automated enforcement technology, such as speed and red light cameras, as a way to help support Vision Zero goals.

Ideas for Leveraging Safe Streets & Roads for All Grant Program
Vision Zero Network
Describes the SS4A grant opportunity and provides links to comprehensive grant information and preparation resources.

Engaging Seniors in Vision Zero: A Visitacion Valley Training
Walk San Francisco
Describes a walk audit and community training process.

The Denver Council of Governments Vision Zero Plan
Denver Regional Council of Governments
Offers an example of a regional approach to Vision Zero.

More Examples >