Revolutionizing Road Safety: San Antonio's Vision Zero Upgrade
Published on March 22, 2024
Let's talk about something that affects each one of us – our daily commute and the safety of our city streets. San Antonio is gearing up for a transportation revolution that ensures our streets are not just roadways but safe for every San Antonian. Buckle up as we dive into the evolution of Vision Zero right here in our hometown!
Vision Zero in the Rearview Mirror: Where Are We Now?
You may remember back in 2015 when the City Council started the Vision Zero movement in San Antonio. It was groundbreaking, and we proudly adopted the first Vision Zero Action Plan in 2016.
Since that time, our beloved city has experienced a surge in growth, with a whopping 400,000 new residents! As we skyrocket toward a projected 3 million by 2040, it's time to address the challenges this brings:
- more traffic
- stressed infrastructure
- heightened risks for our fellow road users
Rethinking Road Safety: Goodbye 5 E's, Hello Safe System Approach!
Vision Zero SA championed the Five E's
- Education
- Encouragement
- Engineering
- Enforcement
- Evaluation
But we’re steering toward a different mindset: Industry pro are swapping gears, opting for the Safe System Approach. It's all about street design, recognizing our human imperfections, and turning inevitable mistakes into non-fatal outcomes.
Leah Shahum, a leading safety advocate and founder of Vision Zero Network, emphasizes the need to fundamentally transform our moving systems. Shahum writes, "To advance Vision Zero effectively and equitably, we need to make the systems we’re moving around in fundamentally safer."
San Antonio's Vision Zero SA 2.0: Unveiling the Upgrade!
The approaching Vision Zero SA Action Plan update for San Antonio is focused on engineering and design to prevent crashes. Picture innovative designs shaping our roads, making them safer for all.
Educate, Engage, Enforce: A Holistic Approach to Safety
Yes, there will be new road designs, and yes, they might seem a tad unfamiliar at first. But fear not – an education component is coming your way! We want you to navigate the streets confidently, understanding the intentional engineering that's aimed at saving lives. It's a full effort to make sure the safety of every commuter, cyclist, and pedestrian in our beautiful city.
Driving Forward: Making San Antonio's Roads Safer for All!
Get ready to witness the transformation and be part of the movement toward safer, smarter, and more efficient roads. San Antonio's Vision Zero is evolving – and it's steering us toward a future where our journeys are not just about reaching our destinations but arriving safely.