Vision Zero in Name Only

Dozens of cities have adopted "Vision Zero" campaigns, but according to reporting from Angie Schmitt, few are actually reducing traffic fatalities. 2016 was the second year in a row that American traffic fatalities went up, and cities with Vision Zero plans like Los Angeles, Denver, and Fort Lauderdale contributed to that trend.

Schmitt argues that to successfully implement these plans cities need to: set goals, be transparent with their progress, and name the departments responsible for improving safety. Too many cities like Los Angeles (where some traffic slowing measures have already been removed) changed their baselines when the city became yet more dangerous.