Vision Zero is a goal of zero traffic deaths or serious injuries on our roadways. It prioritizes safety over all other decision-making processes. The Safe System Approach is a proven methodology to achieving zero traffic deaths. Part of what makes this approach different from how traffic safety has traditionally been addressed is the recognition that while humans make mistakes when using our roads, death and severe injury should not be an acceptable outcome. Responsibility for a safe road system should be shared, proactive, and redundant to prevent people from being killed or severely injured on roadways. Given the vulnerability of the human body, lessening the severity of crashes is a key consideration to prioritizing safety in all decision-making processes. We must design our roadways to separate users and reduce kinetic energy forces, so that if a crash does occur, it does not result in someone being killed or severely injured. Designers of streets, vehicle designers, first responders, policymakers, and road users all have a shared responsibility to prevent fatal and severe injury crashes from occurring. To learn more about Vision Zero, visit cityoftacoma.org/visionzero

RSAs involve a collaborative team from various departments, including Public Works, Planning and Development Services, the Fire Department, Police Department, and Pierce Transit, all working together to assess and enhance road safety for all users. These audits aim to identify safety issues and opportunities for improvement, leading to actionable steps for near-term fixes and potential corridor redesigns to enhance safety.

The corridors selected for Road Safety Audits are part of Tacoma’s Vision Zero High-Risk Network, identified based on crash history or potential safety concerns for people walking and biking. These corridors often have complex roadway designs or intersections that would benefit from further study to explore potential safety improvements. Additionally, they offer opportunities for collaboration with the community and alignment with other ongoing planning efforts. Through this process, the City aims to identify strategies that enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity across Tacoma’s transportation network.

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