Vision Zero Annual Report Shows 11 Percent Reduction in Serious and Fatal Crashes Compared to Pre-COVID Years

Montgomery County's annual report for the "Vision Zero Initiative" includes details on progress made in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) on 127 projects undertaken between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Serious and fatal crashes dropped 11 percent compared to the pre-COVID-19 years of 2015 to 2019. The reduction was driven by a 28 percent decline in serious and fatal crashes on high-injury network (HIN) corridors, which are prioritized for safety interventions under the Vision Zero Action Plan.

The "Vision Zero Initiative" is the County's multi-departmental effort to end serious and fatal crashes on roadways by 2030. The complete FY24 Vision Zero annual report can be found on the County’s Vision Zero website.

"We need our streets to work for everyone whether walking, biking, using an assistive device or driving," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "Our investments in new crossings, speed management and targeted law enforcement are paying off with a reduction in serious and fatal incidents in our high crash areas. We can make our Vision Zero goal a reality through these projects, campaigns and with your help. Keep yourself and everyone on the road safe by putting your phone away while driving, obeying the speed limit, buckling up for every trip and every seat and never driving while impaired."

A priority in the Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan is creating more protected crossings by adding traffic signals and pedestrian beacons to crosswalks. Along with projects, the County continues
building a culture of safety through events, outreach and focused law enforcement activation.

"While there is much work to be done to reach the ultimate Vision Zero goal, City, County and State agencies are dedicated to making our streets safer by design," said the County’s Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland. "We are advancing projects--big and small--across the County and working with lawmakers in the General Assembly to remove barriers to implement safety programs and hold dangerous drivers accountable."

Highlights for the year included:

• 10 projects underway on high injury network (HIN) corridors. HIN corridors represent three percent of the County roads and 41 percent of serious and fatal injuries.
• Eight traffic signals and pedestrian hybrid beacons were installed. The devices provide a red signal for drivers to safely allow people on foot and on bike to cross.
• 29 bikeway projects are underway. The majority of projects will connect to future Purple Line and bus rapid transit projects to make car free trips safe and convenient.
• 6.7 miles of new sidewalk constructed.
• Outreach staff held 259 engagement events at grocery stores, the Motor Vehicle Administration and at schools to engage residents on safety projects and provide important safety guidance.
• Closed the loophole in Noah’s Law, which will require more impaired drivers to install ignition interlocks in their vehicles and reduce repeat drunk driving offenses.
• 15,795 traffic stops for excessive speeding by law enforcement and 360,363 speed citations from automated enforcement.

"We are committed to the safety of all our roadway users, and we are striving to make changes to our roads as quickly as we can," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "That is why the Vision Zero funding is so crucial. I am thankful that the County Executive and the Council have been working together to allow for increases in this funding to advance the safety of our residents. I am saddened by every report of another crash resulting in serious injury or loss of life and remain committed to the work we’re doing to reduce and eliminate these tragedies. In addition to making our facilities safer, these projects can also provide assets for our communities. As one example, our team designing bus rapid transit along Veirs Mill Road also is advancing crucial pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades including new sidewalks and traffic signals."

The FY24 report is the third under the Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan that outlines the projects and activities necessary to reach the Vision Zero goal of ending serious and fatal crashes. The initiative’s FY25 work plan is underway with projects across the County.

"As first responders, we see firsthand the damage caused by life-altering crashes to both lives and property," said Police Chief Marc Yamada. "Our officers, along with our automated enforcement program, continue to enhance our efforts to improve traffic safety by working to reduce speeds and keeping impaired drivers off our roads. As we look towards the end of 2024, holiday get togethers are upon us, so please plan a safe ride home. Remember, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) offers free $15 Lyft credits as a way to make certain that you have a guaranteed sober ride home and to ensure that you and your family are all present at your family dinner tables this holiday season."

To learn more about Vision Zero efforts and how to get involved, visit the Vision Zero website.