Kansas City has embarked on an initiative to tackle one of the city's most pressing issues: traffic safety. The topic is of importance to any Kansas Citian concerned with traffic injuries and deaths—and in our line of work, we are all to familiar with the stories of preventable loss on our roadways.
In Kansas City, between 2010-2020, there has been a 37% increase in traffic accidents. 783 lives were lost, 3,879 people were seriously injured, and 37% of these victims were young people. The Vision Zero project aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030, and promotes safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for everyone.
The intended outcome of Vision Zero is simple: to drastically reduce and ultimately eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. This goal is not just about statistics but about ensuring that every individual—whether driving, walking, or biking—can move through the city with confidence regarding their own safety.
At Popham Law Firm, we know all too well the many stories of loss on our city's roadways, and are committed to promoting the safety of our community. Our firm regularly offers our services to those already affected by car crashes, and we support efforts to make Kansas City safer so that these services are no longer needed in our community.
Introduction to Vision Zero in Kansas City
Mark Schloegel, one of the partners at Popham Law, is an avid cyclist. He's also familiar with traffic-related deaths and catastrophic injuries. Regarding Vision Zero's ongoing progress, he says he prefers to think of it as basic street safety. 'It's street safety for all people—drivers, bikers, and walkers. It's so important to keep this a priority in our city,' he said.
Vision Zero was officially introduced in Kansas City in 2020 as part of a broader global movement that began in Sweden in the late 1990s. The idea quickly gained traction worldwide due to its evidence-based approach and commitment to reducing traffic deaths and injuries to zero. Kansas City’s adoption of this initiative underscores the importance of designing safer streets, implementing better policies, and involving the community in preventive measures. So far, the city has committed more than $7 million to Vision Zero.
Kansas City's Strategic Approach to Traffic Safety
Initially, the transportation director of Kansas City stated that creating policy and securing funding for traffic safety projects seemed too challenging and out of reach. However, the Vision Zero Task Force provides the necessary resources to prioritize projects based on data. The city plans to implement low-cost, high-impact pilot projects and develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Action Plan. This plan will integrate the Eight Core Safety Principles into all planning, design, and engineering efforts, focusing on lowering speed limits, reconstructing roads, and building safer streets and intersections. Additionally, the city will establish a network of protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails, expand transit services, and launch educational initiatives on speeding and impaired driving. Data collection and transparent progress reporting will ensure that safety remains a top priority in all transportation decisions.
Positive Outcomes of Road Improvements
Since its launch in 2020, Vision Zero has completed over 200 projects in Kansas City, with noticeable improvements in road safety. On four-lane roads, where wide lanes often lead to higher speeds and increased accident risks, Vision Zero has implemented a "road diet" approach. This cost-effective strategy enhances safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users by reducing the number of vehicle lanes. Typically, this involves redoing four-lane undivided streets to create two traffic lanes, a center turn lane, and additional space for bike lanes, sidewalks, or bus turnouts.
For instance, Armour Boulevard, a street near three schools in west-east Main Street, previously had two lanes in each direction, limited crosswalks, and a 40 mph speed limit, creating a hazardous environment for school children. The street now has one lane in each direction, and street parking and a bike lane have been added.
This redesign has successfully lowered the average speed to 28 mph—30% slower than before—and reduced crashes by 16%. Similarly, Vision Zero's efforts in Brookside have led to upgrades in crosswalks, medians, and parking spaces, significantly enhancing pedestrian safety in the area. Vision Mobility Projects will continue to take place throughout the city with the goal of zero deaths by 2030.
Another focus of Vision Zero is implementing traffic calming measures to slow down traffic effectively. Kansas City is known for having some of the speediest drivers in the country, and reducing speeds can help prevent severe and deadly car accidents. Examples of traffic calming measures used include speed humps, curb extensions, and traffic circles.
Increased Focus on Equity in Vision Zero Kansas City
Vision Zero in Kansas City emphasizes equity to ensure traffic safety improvements benefit all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
Key strategies include addressing disparities by targeting high-risk areas, involving diverse community members in planning, prioritizing safety improvements where needed most, launching targeted educational campaigns, partnering with local organizations, and ensuring equitable data collection and resource allocation.
This approach aims to create a more inclusive transportation system and reduce systemic inequalities in traffic safety.
Help Prevent Traffic Deaths: Get Involved with Vision Zero KC
Vision Zero seeks to expand their success by engaging the community in the project. Resident feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the project list. Surveys collect data on residents' experiences with traffic safety and perceptions of dangerous areas, helping to prioritize projects and tailor interventions to specific community needs. Vision Zero hosts regular public meetings and workshops to gather feedback and involve residents in planning. Public meeting dates and other ways to get involved can be found here on the project's website.
Popham Law—Kansas City Car Crash Lawyer
As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand the severe impact that car accidents can have on our community. Over the past few years, there has been a troubling spike in car accident injuries and fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased road safety. We urge our community to support the initiatives aimed at keeping our city safe. However, we understand that despite these efforts, accidents can still occur. When prevention falls short, and individuals face serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, we are here to offer support and legal guidance.
Our experience has shown us the profound effects that car accidents can have on victims and their families. At Popham Law, our role is to stand by your side and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has already been involved in a car accident and is dealing with serious injuries or losses, please use the chat service on our website to get in touch with us. We are here to discuss your case, explore your legal options, and work towards the best possible outcome for you.
