Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries among all road users. This strategy was first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s. Did You Know: Each year, more than 42,000 people are killed in America, and thousands more are injured.

Below you will find the differences between traditional thoughts on planning, compared to planning using the Vision Zero Strategy. 

Graphic provided by Vision Zero Network

When you think about Vision Zero there are two shifts in thinking that are key to its success: There are two main 

1. Vision Zero recognizes that people will sometimes make mistakes, so the road system and related policies should be designed to ensure those inevitable mistakes do not result in severe injuries or fatalities. This means that system designers and policymakers are expected to improve the roadway environment, policies (such as speed management), and other related systems to lessen the severity of crashes.

2. Vision Zero is a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together diverse and necessary stakeholders to address this complex problem. In the past, meaningful, cross-disciplinary collaboration among local traffic planners and engineers, policymakers, and public health professionals has not been the norm. Vision Zero acknowledges that many factors contribute to safe mobility — including roadway design, speeds, behaviors, technology, and policies — and sets clear goals to achieve the shared goal of zero fatalities and severe injuries.

Four elements of Vision Zero are key and must be prioritized in order for success:

• Leadership and Commitment;

• Equity and Engagement;

• Safe Roadways and Safe Speeds;

• Data-Driven Approach, Transparency, and Accountability.

 Since taking office, Mayor Broome and the city parish have completed the following: 

1. Implemented numerous measures to address issues such as occupant protection, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

2. Used revenue from the 2018 voter-approved MOVEBR capital improvement program to redesign and rebuild roads, streets, and intersections, incorporating new and additional safety features. (MOVEBR Website)

3. Prepared and adopted the East Baton Rouge Parish Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan in 2020 to ensure that the most vulnerable roadway users are also safe. (view the plan here)

4. In 2021 launched the Baton Rouge Pedestrian and Bicycle Pedestrian Bicycle Safety Action Plan and Road Safety Assessments for ten locations in the city. (Learn More Here)

5. In 2022 made implementation of the pedestrian and bicycle master plan a key focus of the City-Parish comprehensive roadway improvements program.

To learn more about vision zero you can visit the following links:

Vision Zero Network 
Change Lab Solutions 
Mayor Broome Press Release 
State of Louisiana Press Release