At a glance
Vision Zero is the idea that no one should die or suffer serious injury in road traffic crashes. In 2016, the Road to Zero (RTZ) Coalition was launched to support and enhance Vision Zero efforts in the United States.
Vision Zero
In 1997, an idea from Sweden opened the door to a new way of thinking: Vision Zero. This idea that no one should die or suffer serious injury in road traffic crashes has gained considerable traction across the world and has evolved into a highly successful road safety strategy. This vision supports the Safe System approach to road safety. In the United States, many cities, counties, and communities have accepted the challenge of zero road traffic deaths and major reductions in injuries. The Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety has multiple Vision Zero resources available, including a U.S. Vision Zero Plan Library and other related resources.
Road to Zero
In 2016, the Road to Zero (RTZ) Coalition was launched to support and enhance Vision Zero efforts in the United States. The coalition's primary goal is to end road traffic fatalities in the United States by 2050. CDC actively participates in the coalition and serves on the steering group.
The RTZ Coalition outlines three primary focus areas:
- Doubling down on what works through proven, evidence-based strategies
- Advancing life-saving technology in vehicles and infrastructure
- Prioritizing safety by adopting a Safe System approach and creating a positive safety culture
Toward Zero Deaths
Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) also affirms that even one death on our nation's roads is too many. TZD has six areas of emphasis:
- Safer drivers and passengers
- Safer vulnerable users (e.g., pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists)
- Safer vehicles
- Safer infrastructure
- Enhanced emergency medical services
- Improved safety management
A combination of strategies and the collaboration of groups from many different sectors, such as public health organizations, law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical services, are necessary to achieve the TZD vision.
Additional action
In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) passed in November 2021 authorizes major investments and initiatives to improve road safety and other components of the U.S. transportation sector. The National Roadway Safety Strategy issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in early 2022 establishes a comprehensive plan to improve road safety in the United States and embraces widespread adoption of the Safe System approach at the national level.