Testimony on HB 885, Vision Zero
The Action Committee for Transit encourages the passage of House Bill 885, which would establish a statewide Vision Zero program within the Department of Transportation.
According to a 2018 report, traffic deaths nationwide dropped by one percent. But in Maryland that year, 557 people died in traffic crashes — a 7 percent increase over 2016. This exceeded the Department of Transportation’s 2016-2020 performance goal of 387 or fewer deaths by 44 percent. Traffic related deaths and serious injuries cause significant community grief, devastating loss for families and negatively impact Maryland’s economy.
The state’s current Strategic Highway Safety plan laudably aims at a long-term goal of zero traffic deaths, and it is designed to cut traffic deaths in half (to 296) by 2030. But given the increasing incidences of distracted driving and other dangers to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, we need to take more urgent and dedicated action to stop these preventable deaths. An official Vision Zero program as contemplated by HB 885 includes at least two powerful tools we have in this effort.
- A central clearinghouse – A program within the Department of Transportation would be able to coordinate between other counties, municipalities, law enforcement, schools, emergency services, and other state agencies. While there is much to be gained from “letting a thousand flowers bloom” and encouraging local authorities to experiment, the state has a crucial role in helping good ideas to propagate throughout Maryland.
- Evidence and accountability – The state Vision Zero program would gather valuable data from Maryland’s diverse jurisdictions and then coordinate between researches, practitioners, community members, and local authorities to ensure that both the entire state and its composite jurisdictions are receiving the support they need to make progress. The program’s annual report to the governor and the assembly would be an annual check-in to renew our commitment to zero traffic deaths.
Cities across the country have signed onto Vision Zero, but these techniques are not limited to urban areas. Officially adopting Vision Zero would place Maryland in a small but growing number of states — as diverse as Washington, North Carolina, and North Dakota — that are using data and evidence to save lives and prevent severe injury.
In dedicating resources and attention to Vision Zero, Maryland can save lives and set an example for the rest of the country. We urge passage of HB 885.