Better Data Means Safer Streets

Open data can be a powerful tool for illustrating the risks to public safety that will have to be overcome as more cities adopt Vision Zero initiatives.

1 minute read

September 8, 2015, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Montgomery County now publishes detailed traffic violation data, which goes online daily here," according to a post by Jacob Mason. "This data allows anyone to see where and when the police are issuing citations, and to whom." Mason used that data, for instance, to create a map of speeding violations covering June 1 through August 16. On the map, the size of the bubbles representing violations even correspond to how far over the speed limit the driver was traveling when cited.

With the map as an illustration, Mason argues for more and better open data projects by local governments. Mason pays specific attention to the Washington, D.C.'s region, which he says had made progress but can still improve.

Friday, September 4, 2015 in Greater Greater Washington

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

People vote in Chicago behind blue privacy screens

Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners

Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents

2 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks into a microphone. He wears a gray suit.

NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting

New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.

3 hours ago - The City Reporter

People in Los Angeles going to the polls, following a sign with an "I Voted" design

California appears to reject Prop. 45

The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.

4 hours ago - Cal Matters