"The creation of roads is associated with public health matters."

In the quiet suburban town of Decatur, Georgia, the tragic death of Quanisha Ball on Scott Boulevard has sparked a call for change. On November 17, 2022, Ball was hit and killed by a car, highlighting the urgent need for road safety improvements.

Across the nation, pedestrian and cyclist deaths often occur in what are called "origin-destination pairs," where individuals have to cross busy streets to reach home, work, or shopping. This unfortunate reality has led many cities to adopt the Vision Zero approach, a road safety system that aims to eliminate traffic fatalities.

Decatur is now developing its own Vision Zero plan, funded by a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The city joins a growing list of local governments and municipalities across the United States that have adopted Vision Zero, including the Town of West Hartford, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2033.

However, the implementation of Vision Zero is not solely about funding. Jay Blazek Crossley, the executive director of the nonprofit Farm&City, emphasises that money alone is not enough. He suggests a more comprehensive approach that involves public health professionals and transportation experts working together to address the disconnect between what people feel is safe and what is actually safe in road design.

In neighbouring Austin, Texas, the city committed to Vision Zero in 2016 as part of a mobility bond. However, improvements have only been made to streets under its jurisdiction, facing roadblocks due to the complex web of federal, state, and local jurisdictions that control decisions about roads and funding. Despite this, fatalities on streets under Austin's jurisdiction have remained flat, while on streets controlled by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), fatalities have increased.

Similarly, Houston, Texas, which committed to Vision Zero in 2019, has seen traffic fatalities set a record since the rollback of safety measures started. These statistics underscore the need for a cohesive and coordinated approach to road safety.

Sweden, Denmark, and Canada have seen success with Vision Zero, reducing both fatalities and severe injuries. Lower speed limits, sidewalks, and crosswalks all encourage eye contact and make streets safer for pedestrians. Transportation experts attribute the rising number of deaths in the United States to factors such as increased speed limits, bigger and heavier vehicles, and the distractions of smartphones.

In Decatur, community members are taking action. Quanisha Ball's mother, Courtney Thompkins, has started volunteering with Families for Safe Streets, helping advocate for Vision Zero in Decatur. Amy Cohen, who lost her daughter in a traffic accident in Decatur, is also advocating for the program and has seen modest improvements in street safety.

As Decatur moves forward with its Vision Zero plan, it serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential for change. The hope is that, through a collaborative and systemic approach, cities can work towards eliminating traffic fatalities and creating safer streets for all.