Austin Traffic Fatalities Triple in January

In 2015, Austin, Texas adopted a Vision Zero goal to reach zero traffic fatalities.

1 minute read

February 12, 2020, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Austin Pedestrians

GSPhotography / Shutterstock

After three consecutive years of declining traffic fatalities, following the adoption of Vision Zero goals in 2015, the city of Austin had a tragic 2019, followed by a tragic January, according to an article by Cailin Crowe. The city reported 11 fatalities, a tripling of the total from the same timeframe in the previous year.

"Despite a number of recent road safety improvements, including new protected bike lanes and even a car-free street pilot [Planetizen coverage of the Rainey Street entertainment district], Austin is facing struggles that are emblematic of the challenges many cities across the country are experiencing as they work toward the ambitious goal to have zero pedestrian, cyclist or motorist deaths on their streets," writes Crowe.

The article includes soundbites from local and national traffic safety efforts, who describe the challenges facing Vision Zero implementation and a few insights about how to overcome the largest remaining obstacles to streets and roads that are safe for all users.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today