Vision Zero

Last Content Update:

Updated on 09/18/24

What Is Vision Zero? Why is it Needed?

Vision Zero is a commitment to end traffic deaths. In September 2017, Durham joined a global network of Vision Zero cities and became one of the first cities in North Carolina to officially adopt a Vision Zero program. This is because, on average, 26 people die in crashes in Durham County each year. The Vision Zero Resolution approved in June 2024 by the Durham City Council affirmed the City’s commitment to eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. The City of Durham and its partners have worked to implement projects and programs aligned with Vision Zero, such as traffic calming guidelines, improved transit infrastructure, sidewalks, and bicycle facilities.                 

In 2024, the City of Durham will significantly progress toward developing a Vision Zero strategy. This may include policy updates to align priorities with the Safe Systems approach, sharing relevant data, like project updates and crash trends, and convening partners to inform and refine strategic approaches to street safety. The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization won a Safe Streets for All grant to develop a regional Safety Action Plan and will seek to find a consultant in 2024. The City of Durham will be a key stakeholder in this process.

For more information, contact Vision Zero Coordinator Lauren Grove.

Vision Zero Workshop Public Open House

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT fall 2024


  1. Are you affiliated with the City of Durham or part of a local organization and you want to improve transportation safety for everyone in Durham? Register to attend to the Vision Zero Workshop on September 30th and October 1st : https://forms.gle/yuCTCN3zM6ExKsrw8 
  2. Join us at the Vision Zero: Safe Streets for Durham Public Open House on Tuesday, October 1, from 4:30-6:30pm at the Durham Armory. Everyone is welcome to attend, learn more about the City’s commitment to Vision Zero, and provide feedback on potential priorities for the Vision Zero Action Plan.
  3. Provide feedback about your traffic safety concerns, such as streets you avoid because they feel unsafe or locations where you've seen a crash nearly happen. CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERNS


TRAFFIC CALMING

Slowing motor vehicle traffic is key to achieving the goals of Vision Zero. The City of Durham has created Traffic Calming Guidelines to help residents understand low- versus high-cost traffic calming treatments, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment. To request traffic calming in your neighborhood, please contact Leslie Tracey