Objectives

We will take equitable and data-driven actions that will eliminate deaths and serious injuries for all who share Columbia's streets.

Focus on three primary areas

Engineering

Education

Enforcement

Initial Vision Zero steps

Adopt a Vision Zero policy

Adopting a Vision Zero policy is the first step towards eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

City of Columbia completed this task.
Target Date: December 2016

Create Vision Zero Action Plan

The Vision Zero Action Plan is the set of Critical Actions that will make it possible to achieve zero. The first edition of the Action Plan is for 2017-2020.

City of Columbia completed this task.
Target Date: April 2017

Engineering

Formalize a program and protocol for road safety audits and road safety assessments

These tools will allow us to identify and prioritize road safety needs.

Engineering Team completed this task.
Target Date: March 2019

Create a Crash Analysis Team

The team will analyze fatality and serious injury crashes and make recommendations for systematic improvements.

Engineering Team completed this task.
Target Date: December 2017

Identify engineering design parameters that improve safety for all road users

We can prevent crashes by identifying proven designs that make streets safer and creating a plan for integrating them into street standards and guidelines.

Engineering Team completed this task.
Target Date: March 2019

Reduce legal, posted speed limits

Speed is the primary factor that determines if a crash will result in a death or serious injury.

Engineering Team and Education Team are planning for this task.
Target Date: May 2019

Education

Develop a comprehensive safety and education communication campaign

Vision Zero is a culture change to the understanding that traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable and unacceptable.

Education Team completed this task.
Target Date: December 2017

Work with other organizations to develop education campaigns and policies

Vision Zero is a partnership with schools, universities, and businesses.

Education Team is in progress.
Target Date: March 2020

Promote traffic safety innovations and improvements

We will provide education on new or confusing infrastructure.

Engineering Team and Education Team are planning for this task.
Target Date: June 2018

Enforcement

Increase funding for police traffic safety enforcement

Columbia Police Department's Traffic Unit was disbanded in 2015 due to a lack of funding.

Enforcement Team is in progress.
Target Date: April 2018

Prohibit cellphone use and texting while driving

Cellphones are a key source of distraction while driving. Most states already have laws against texting and driving for all drivers.

Enforcement Team completed this task.
Target Date: January 2018

Improve and reform enforcement of speed limits and prosecution of violators

Equitable enforcement strategies encourage safe travel.

Enforcement Team is planning for this task.
Target Date: March 2020

Provide routine bicycle and pedestrian safety training for law enforcement officers

Columbia Police Department officers will complete trainings in issues related to walking and biking.

PedNet Coalition and Enforcement Team completed this task.
Target Date: January 2018

Recently Completed Initiatives

Follow our progress as we carry out the Action Plan to make Columbia's streets safe for everyone

View Completed Initiatives