Vision Zero Summer Safety Road Trip

The goal: To highlight infrastructure improvements designed to protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by lowering speeds. The Mayor’s $10 million investment in smarter road design and safety interventions is a key part of her Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

The campaign consists of three components: A “virtual” Summer Road Trip, a resident-led initiative to encourage drivers to slow down in their neighborhoods, and a new online dashboard of upcoming safety projects.

During the virtual Summer Road Trip, DDOT will share stories on YouTube, Twitter, and DC Network (Channel 16), on how specific interventions have helped residents across all eight wards feel safer using the streets in their communities. Through these stories, residents will learn how safety improvements such as a lower default speed limit and road redesigns help prevent traffic crashes and save lives. The “stops” on the Summer Road Trip include:

• The 20-mph default speed limit, which significantly reduces the risk of severe injury and death during a crash, particularly when one involves a pedestrian or cyclist.
• Curb extensions not only slow drivers down when turning – a common point of conflict – but also reduce the amount of time a pedestrian is in the street and vulnerable to being hit by a vehicle.
• Protected bike lanes create dedicated space for people on bikes, and at the same time improve safety for everyone by creating a change in road design that intuitively calms traffic and discourages aggressive speeds.
• Driver feedback signs show drivers their current speed and display when it’s over the posted limit.
• Rapid Flashing Beacons and HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalK) signals alert drivers and make pedestrians crossing the street easier to see.

Residents can pick up yard signs that encourage drivers to slow down on their neighborhood streets. Signs will be available at farmer’s markets, the DDOT Permit Office at 1100 4th Street SW, and at other events citywide throughout the summer. Keep checking back for more locations and details! if you'd like us to come to your neighborhood, email [email protected].

Upcoming events:

Past events: 

Annual Safety Improvement Program