Vision Zero: New Traffic Safety Program

Staying safe on city streets

Over the last few weeks a high number of Portland residents have been involved in serious bicycle crashes. In response, the mayor and transportation commissioner convened an urgent meeting last week with stakeholders from all modes of transportation, as well as the Bureau of Transportation and the Police Bureau, to discuss how we can increase awareness as well as prevent future crashes within the city of Portland. As the Portland Freight Advisory Committee Chair, I had the opportunity to participate in this multi‐modal safety discussion about what we can do to increase safety awareness across the transportation network. I'm sure you will agree that one crash, resulting in one injured adult, parent or child is one too many.

Stakeholders last week committed to Vision Zero which is a new traffic safety program with the goal to eliminate all road fatalities through engineering, education and enforcement. The program which has seen positive results in cities around the world is based on the premise that traffic fatalities and serious injuries from crashes are preventable. On behalf of the Portland Freight Advisory Committee I announced our commitment to work with multi‐modal stakeholders to raise awareness about Vision Zero, and engage in initiatives that support Vision Zero goals. Learn more about Vision Zero at http://ourhealthystreets.org/visionzero.

As individuals, one of the immediate actions we can take is to reduce our speeds while following the lesson my father taught me when I first learned to drive: "Debra, drive defensively. Every time you get behind the wheel take the responsibility to watch out for other cars, pedestrians, bicycles and trucks." His lesson is applicable today regardless of the mode of transportation. Stay safe!