Eliminating Deaths and Serious Injuries from Traffic Crashes
From 2016-2020, at least 1,534 traffic crashes in Knoxville caused either a fatality or serious injury, with an average of 34 fatal crashes occurring every year. 21% of these crashes involved pedestrians or bicyclists, who are especially vulnerable on the road.
These tragedies cause immeasurable damage to our community.
In October 2021, City Council unanimously passed
Resolution R-330-2021, endorsing a ‘Vision Zero’ goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on Knoxville’s streets. Knoxville joins the Vision Zero network of over 50 U.S. communities committed to eliminating dangerous traffic incidents.
About Vision Zero
Vision Zero is an international movement to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero communities commit to the following principles:
- Sustained collaboration across the community
- Data-driven decision making
- Equity and community engagement
- Transparent processes and open communication about progress and challenges
Vision Zero aligns with the City’s focus on public safety, connected transportation systems, and equitable mobility options. By using an analytical approach to road design, driver engagement, and law enforcement, we can prevent serious crashes.
Knoxville's Commitment to Safe Streets
The City of Knoxville works to provide a comprehensive and integrated street network that accommodates all users and modes, and has invested over $43 million towards safe streets since 2017. We want to make sure that walking, biking, and public transit are safe and desirable modes of transportation for everyone. We prioritize data-driven and community-focused solutions, such as the
Complete Streets Policy,
Bicycle Facilities Plan, and
Sidewalk Study.
Vision Zero Process
Action Plan
The first step of the Vision Zero process is developing an Action Plan with engineering, education, and enforcement strategies designed to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This planning stage launched in February 2022, and is expected to conclude in 2023.
The Action Plan will be designed by a
coalition of stakeholders from a broad range of sectors and perspectives. Learn more about the
coalition here, and
view meeting resources here.
Implementation & Evaluation
After the Action Plan is finalized and published (anticipated 2023), the City and coalition partners will implement specific projects and programs to achieve priority actions.
Resources