VISION ZERO IN MERCER COUNTY
Together, we can achieve zero deaths and serious injuries on our roadways.
What is Vision Zero?
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on our roadways, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
Safe System Approach
Vision Zero applies the Safe System Approach to build a transportation system that prioritizes the safety of every person. The Safe System Approach is guided by six fundamental principles:
- Deaths and serious injuries on our roads are unacceptable and preventable.
- People will inevitably make mistakes while on the road.
- Humans are vulnerable, especially when walking and cycling.
- Responsibility for roadway safety is shared among all road users, engineers, policymakers, law enforcement, and medical services.
- Safety must proactively prevent tragedies, not just respond to them.
- A truly safe system uses redundant elements to reinforce safety.
Elements of the Safe System Approach
-
Safer People
Individual safety habits like seatbelts, bike helmets, and avoiding distractions.
-
Safer Vehicles
Vehicles that protect both the people inside, and the pedestrians/cyclists outside.
-
Safer Speeds
Speed is the number one factor in traffic deaths and serious injuries.
-
Safer Roads
County government can only improve the few roads it owns. Most roads belong to local municipalities.
-
Post-Crash Care
Fast and effective medical and police response.
Why is Vision Zero Important?
How can I help make Mercer County roads safer?
Every resident can make an impact in ending deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
-
Make safety your first priority when driving:
Always obey the speed limit. Put away phones and other distractions. Watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, especially at night.
-
Look around your community for roadways that put people in danger:
Especially where walking and biking are hazardous. Call attention to these problem areas.
-
Become an advocate for Complete Streets:
Complete Streets include design elements that safely accommodate people of all ages, abilities, and travel modes. Support your town’s Complete Streets policy.
-
Encourage your municipality to adopt the Mercer County Vision Zero Action Plan:
County government can only improve the few roads it owns. Most roads belong to local municipalities.
Additional Information
Vision Zero policies have been adopted by many relevant agencies, including:
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- State of New Jersey
- New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
- Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)
- Municipality of Princeton
Mercer County’s Board of Commissioners is also anticipated to adopt its own policy soon. Most of these agencies have a target of zero traffic deaths by 2050, an ambitious goal that recognizes the urgency of prioritizing life and safety on our roadways.
