Traffic Fatalities, Serious Wrecks Targeted in new Boston Traffic Plan

Above: Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced his “VisionZero Action” traffic plan Wednesday. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Boston, MA - Boston unveiled a new plan Wednesday which will work to prevent serious crashes and eliminate traffic-related fatalities on local streets, Mayor Marty Walsh announced.

The plan, “VisionZero Action,” outlines the City of Boston’s commitment to providing safer streets for all users of the city’s roadways.

“Ensuring the safety of all of our residents and visitors is a top priority and it is important that we continue to make strides in creating better and safer streets across our city,” said Mayor Walsh.

The Action Plan focuses on four core areas: implementing street design changes, tackling the issue of distracted and impaired driving, engaging Boston residents across all neighborhoods, and collecting and sharing data related to these efforts.

Highlights of the Vision Zero Action Plan include the following:

• Emphasis will be placed on implementing design changes to lower speeds and create safer street crossings. These changes will be incorporated directly into the blueprints for the construction/reconstruction of neighborhood streets.
• City of Boston officials will advocate at the state level to lower Boston’s default speed limit.
• Options to reduce the incidence of distracted and impaired driving will be explored.
• Data will be used to identify streets and intersections that need improvement.
• “Rapid Implementation” changes will be made in the short term, and long term changes will also be pursued.
• The location of crashes that take place on Boston’s streets will be posted on the project website with information being updated monthly.

Currently, Boston’s Emergency Medical Services responds to calls for assistance from an average of two to three pedestrians or cyclists each day who have been in crashes. In the last four years, 79 people have been killed while walking, bicycling or driving on Boston’s streets.

“The safety of pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers is paramount,” said Chris Osgood, Chief of Streets. “Many partners, inside and outside of city government, worked hard on developing this plan; we look forward to working even harder putting it into action.”

The Vision Zero Action Plan and crash map are available to view on the project website at visionzeroboston.org.