How We'll Achieve Zero

Together we will use strategies that are equitable, data-driven and collaborative as steps to achieve zero roadway deaths in the Kansas City region by 2050.

Safe Systems Elements in the Kansas City region

Making a commitment to zero traffic deaths means addressing all aspects of safety through the following five Safe System elements that, together, create a holistic approach with layers of protection for road users: safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads, and post-crash care.

This plan shares focused strategies that help guide users toward progress in each of these areas. Here are some example strategies for the Kansas City region for each Safe System element:

Safe Road Users
Conduct campaigns and programs focused on the importance of safe driving practices for all road users. Expand access to quality traffic safety education, especially for young road users.
Safe Vehicles
Support technology improvements that focus on good design, data management, and equity such as autonomous vehicle infrastructure and smart city LiDAR systems. 
Safe Speeds
Implement traffic calming, and “self-enforcing road” speed management strategies in high activity areas such as central business districts, school zones, shopping areas, critical services, parks, residential areas, etc.
Safe Roads
Create safe conflict points, especially safe systems-based intersections by reducing speed, improving visibility, and creating protections for non-motorized road users. 
Post-Crash Care
Encourage first responders to participate in SHRP2 TIM Responder training and work with KC Scout to track incident clearance times to promote responder safety and reduce opportunities for secondary crashes. 

Case Study: Vision Zero KC

Kansas City, Missouri, became the first city in the region to officially adopt Vision Zero priorities by passing a resolution in May 2020, followed by the creation of a Vision Zero Task Force. Destination Safe believes such efforts will be impactful for local communities and encourages other cities and counties to create similar initiatives.   

Why Vision Zero?

Jason Waldron, transportation director for the city of Kansas City, Missouri, believes that it is easy for a community to say that reducing traffic crash fatalities is a priority but creating policy and, most importantly, making it a part of the budget is what makes the seemingly impossible possible. The Vision Zero Task Force allows Kansas City to prioritize projects based on data but also ensures all modes of transportation are safe.

“Vision Zero has allowed us to justify, prioritize and design safer roads,” he stated. Put simply, Jason says Vision Zero is now, “how we do business.”  

"Vision Zero has allowed us to justify, prioritize and design safer roads."

Jason Waldron, Transportation Director, Kansas City, Missouri

Kendra Burgess, public policy coordinator for The Whole Person, has been involved with the Vision Zero KC Task Force since its inception and when asked why Vision Zero is important to her, she pointed to her advocacy work of helping all people, regardless of ability, to live independently.

“Transit is required to help people get to work, see family and friends, attend games or church but bus routes are only as good as the infrastructure around them," said Kendra.

People who are blind or have low vision or those who have physical disabilities depend on consistent and high-quality sidewalks and curb-cuts to cross streets safely. By joining Vision Zero KC, Kendra can participate in ensuring that transportation improvements are being made for all users. 

Ultimately, Kendra wants to encourage all people to use their voices to advocate for their needs.

"Transit is required to help people get to work, see family and friends, attend games or church but bus routes are only as good as the infrastructure around them."

Kendra Burgess, Public policy coordinator, The Whole Person
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