As a part of an international initiative known as Vision Zero, Houston committed to eliminating traffic deaths by identifying intersections and roads with high rates of traffic fatalities and forming an action plan to reduce them.
The state had the highest number of traffic fatalities in the country in 2018, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In that same year, Houston saw 197 traffic fatalities, the highest number of any city in the state, TxDOT data shows.
While cities across the globe have joined the Vision Zero pledge, with varying degrees of success, each implements the framework differently. Houston planning department officials began forming the city’s action plan in August 2019 and published its latest draft Oct. 6.
Using earlier public feedback, city officials identified the city’s most dangerous areas for drivers and pedestrians and proposed several strategies to make streets safer.
The draft action plan proposes revising speed limits and construction standards as well as increasing public awareness campaigns. Residents can weigh in on those and any other potential solutions through a public comment process and an online survey.
The comment period closes Oct. 20, after which officials will finalize the proposal and bring it to Houston City Council for approval in November.
Find the action plan, comment section and survey link here.
