Source: Miami-Dade County
Vision Zero is a global road safety initiative that aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through proactive, data-driven strategies. It represents a fundamental shift in how communities approach transportation safety—treating every death as preventable rather than inevitable.
Originating in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero is built on the principle that human life and health should take priority in road system design. The approach emphasizes shared responsibility between road users and system designers, recognizing that while mistakes are inevitable, the consequences should not be fatal. This philosophy leads to infrastructure improvements, speed management, and targeted enforcement that prioritize the safety of vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and children.
In British Columbia, Vision Zero is supported through grant programs and local initiatives that fund traffic-calming measures, safer crossings, and community-based safety enhancements. Projects often include speed reduction zones, improved signage, and data-informed interventions at high-risk locations. By integrating public health perspectives and engineering best practices, Vision Zero fosters safer, more inclusive transportation networks across urban and rural communities.
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